From Washington University Athletics
Former Washington University in St. Louis assistant women's basketball coach Steve Cochran passed away on May 10 at the age of 60 following a brief battle with brain cancer.
Cochran spent two stints as an assistant coach under Nancy Fahey for a span of 10 seasons. During his tenure, the Bears won four national championships, eight UAA championships and compiled a 211-17 record.
"I shared the sideline at WashU for ten special years with Steve," said Fahey. "He was instrumental in the success we experienced during that time. I will always cherish his loyalty and friendship. Steve had an excellent basketball mind that impacted every game. With all the success on the court, his impact on the players and their families he touched is truly Steve's success story. He was always positive and truly cared about the players he coached. Steve was always there in an authentic and special way to lift up the players he coached. He will be dearly missed."
Following the 2002-03 season, Cochran was named the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year award, which is the highest honor an assistant coach can earn.
Following his time at WashU, Cochran went on to serve as the head coach at Rockford College, Concordia-Texas, Jefferson College and Maryville as well as an assistant coach at Illinois and Omaha. Additionally, he started his coaching career in the St. Louis high school ranks.
Steve's impact on our St. Louis community, the basketball community and the many Bear alumni will be felt for years to come.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Cochran family.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church. 6741 S. Rock Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 a.m. through the start of mass. Memorials in Steve's honor can be made on the websites of his favorite local charity, Lifting up STL (liftingupstl.org) or to a national cause that hits close to home, The V Foundation, (v.org).