Ev Cochrane has been named the new head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Iowa Central.
Cochrane replaces Eric Sturgis, who resigned after the semester.
Cochrane is a native of Ames and former long-time assistant coach at Iowa State University.
“Fort Dodge has always been a hot-bed for tennis for as long as I’ve played,” Cochrane said. “I have a lot of buddies up there who speak very highly of the program and I’m excited for the opportunity and chance to see these guys play at a big-time level.”
While with the Cyclones, Cochrane worked under Mike Henrich and Michele Conlon. He was also involved heavily in the youth tennis and basketball scene in Ames, helping current NBA superstar Harrison Barnes and former Iowa standout Peter Jok.
“At the top of the list for me is to have fun, win some matches and learn the game of tennis the proper way,” Cochrane said. “Get your degree and move forward, live out your dreams. For a lot of these kids, tennis might not be what they do at the next level, but it is a lifetime sport.”
Cochrane said he will lean on many of the standout tennis players in the Fort Dodge area to help him boost the program, including Manny Flores, who has worked with several players at all levels.
“We are excited to announce that Ev Cochrane has accepted our offer to become the head coach of our tennis programs,” Iowa Central Director of Athletics Kevin Twait said. “Ev brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience and is well connected within the Iowa tennis ranks. Our student-athletes will benefit from his passion for the game, his ability to teach the game at an extremely high level and his willingness to take the time to build positive relationships with his student-athletes.
“Coach Cochrane will build on the successes of our two prior coaches (Jerry Thor and Sturgis) as both our men’s and women’s squads are ranked in the Top-10 nationally. We welcome Ev Cochrane into our Triton athletic family.”
Cochrane will also work as a Student Development Assistant.