Dynamic talent Sebastian Cochrane commits to Capers

By Corey LeBlanc

Sebastian Cochrane has been on the pitch for as long as he can remember.

The Toronto native started playing soccer as a three-year-old, and he hasn't stopped.

"I never really looked back," he says, with a laugh, of embracing the 'beautiful game.'

Although he played a variety of sports growing up, including hockey, basketball, and track and field, Cochrane remembers how he – along with his family and friends – thought that soccer was the "best fit" for him.

"I just love the game – I would play every day," he adds.

Cochrane, a multi-talented wing player, recently committed to lace up his cleats with the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's soccer program this fall.

While reflecting on his passion for the game, he talks about having a "sense of courage" on the pitch, while savoring the opportunity to "express myself."

When asked about when he started to think he could thrive in the sport, Cochrane describes a "defining moment," one that came when he was eight-year-old. While playing with Power Soccer Academy in Toronto, Cochrane was selected to travel across the Atlantic Ocean and train with Sunderland AFC in England.

"It was surreal," he remembers.

When he returned home, Cochrane continued to build on that experience; sharpening his skills with high-end programs, such as the Toronto Football Club (FC).

"I have always benefitted from being a part of a competitive environment," he says.

While suiting up for FC Durham Academy, Cochrane had myriad chances to play with – and against – the best players at his age level, an experience that included making several road trips to the United States.

As for his post-secondary playing career, it was uncertain; coming off a severe ankle injury, Cochrane admits he was doing some soul-searching when it came to his future.

"It kick-started my collegiate career," he says of accepting an invitation from head coach Patrice Gheisar to play in his backyard with Seneca College.

Cochrane adds, "I realized [soccer] was still my calling and I decided to follow through."

Although a few months away, he is excited about arriving on the Sydney campus for his first Caper training camp in late August.

"I can't wait," Cochrane says of donning the familiar CBU orange.

When asked about the strengths of his game, Caper head coach Deano Morley says that Cochrane possesses "brilliant technical ability."

"Sebastian plays with great pace, with an attacking flair and tremendous vision," he adds.

And, Morley notes, another key attribute is his "experience playing at a high level."

Cochrane's upcoming move to the east coast of Canada to continue his varsity soccer career follows a pair of seasons with the Houston Christian University Huskies of the NCAA.

"It was a different game," he explains of the play south of the border while noting how that offered a lesson on the importance of being able to adjust to any style of play.

Although he enjoyed his NCAA experience, noting the support he received from his coaches and the community, the dynamic student-athlete decided he wanted to "come home" to Canada. With his return, it wasn't long before he started to explore university playing opportunities across the country.

"They had so many great things to say about their experience," Cochrane remembers of his conversations with friends Isaiah Johnson – a former Caper, who now plays in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) – and Kairo Coore, who just wrapped up his sophomore season with CBU.

With those endorsements, he decided to contact Morley.

"Right off the bat," he says in describing the instant connection he felt with the Caper mentor.

Cochrane adds, "I can't wait to become part of the small, tight-knit community that has had so much success."

Noting that he has experience as an attacker and in the midfield, the newest Caper offers that one of the key strengths of his game is "versatility."

Cochrane also points to his ability to play with both feet, especially as a player whose dominant one is the left. Along with his soccer IQ, speed and strength, the 5'7" student-athlete touches on his passion for setting up his teammates.

"I love to pass and be a playmaker," he says.

He adds, with his passes and crosses, he experiences a great boost when he leaves people asking: 'How did he do that?'

"We expect Sebastian to make an immediate impact," Morley offers, noting Cochrane will be in CBU's starting line-up in the fall.

He adds, "He is going to be a tremendous asset."

Morley says that bringing Cochrane on board is another "great example" of the CBU program's ability to attract "top Canadian players," who not only take advantage of the opportunity to continue their post-secondary studies but also better their chances of playing at a "higher level." He notes that Cochrane, like several other former Capers, will likely move on to the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

Cochrane, who will study in the Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies program, says he is "beyond excited" kicking off his Caper playing career, noting he is "very confident" that he can become a key contributor.

"I believe that I can be a great player [for CBU] – it is a perfect fit."

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