Left to Right – Ron Cochran, CC Mitchell and Brandi Cochran- Mitchell.
Part 1 of a 2 Part Story with Part 2 being told through the eyes of the trio themselves.
Hillsville, Virginia – Monday through Friday you can find Ron Cochran inside his shop on Main Street, Omega Church and Office Supply. He will great you with a smile and if he knows you a quick witted joke.
Cochran was one of the original Foot Soldiers for founder Howard Mayo back in the day when his daughter Brandi was 12 years old and we have come full circle with the daughter, eventually taking over from Mayo and spending 13 years at the helm. Now,, Mitchell – Cochran is at the helm and her daughter CC part of the program.
In between Cochran – Mitchell laced up her sneakers at Carroll County High School and played the game her Father loves well enough to earn the opportunity to play at the next level. She made the most out of her opportunity at Hollins from Day one until graduation.
Cochran at the time, before her marriage, stuffed the record books and now twenty plus years later she still has the top mark for free throw percentage for a season (2002-2023).
Here is a clip from her early years at Hollins
https://generalssports.com/news/2003/1/14/w-l-womens-basketball-falls-to-hollins-63-48.aspx
During her College playing days the Virginia sportswriters would vote on an All-State team with consideration being given to players at Divisions 1, 2 and 3. Cochran earned her way onto that team from a pool of every Women’s Basketball player in the Commonwealth.
After graduation 🎓 Cochran returned home and immediately began her efforts to give back to the community that she calls home. The dual effort being split between the classroom and the Gymnasium. She stayed busy but found the time to meet the love of her life and Cochran became Cochran – Mitchell.
Her father approved of the young man and will proudly tell you that he’s his favorite Son-in-Law by a wide margin!
The top spot in the AAU basketball program changed hands a few times over the decades and the list of caretakers is a who’s who here in the County and now the baton has been placed in the caring hands of Cochran-Mitchell.
The third generation, CC played for Head Coach Jeff Tobler at the Middle School this season before being called up to Kayla Nester’s JV team. Taking the court the other night at Glenvar versus the Highlanders, CC netted a 3-pointer roughly ten seconds after entering the contest. The future looks bright inside of the family Business!
The list of responsibilities for Cochran-Mitchell is a long one these days. Wife, Daughter, Mother, assistant Coach on Marc Motley’s staff in addition to her responsibilities with the AAU program. She can know add Author to her overwhelming experience after penning pages in the recently published Book on the Back 2 Back State Championships.
Stop by Ron’s shop if you are in need of an uplifting moment and he will proudly tell you about his family. If you see Brandi and she looks tired that comes with the territory when one wears five or six hats at the same time.
As far as CC is concerned she and her teammates are about to embark on a four game in one week journey, starting tonight at Radford High School.
The second part of the story will be told through the eyes of the Family as soon as Cochran – Mitchell can catch her breath !
#31 – Ron Cochran
A.S.P.N on The Hill 