Born: 1980 (Hermosa Beach, California)
Biography:
Jacqueline Jackie Frank DeLuca Cochran, born on May 1, 1980, in Hermosa Beach, California, is an American water polo goalkeeper, 2004 bronze medal Olympian, and a two-time collegiate National Player of the Year. Known for her exceptional skills and determination, Jackie has left a lasting impact on water polo and women’s athletics.
Jackie began her journey in competitive swimming at the young age of 10 when she joined the Long Beach Swim Club. However, it was in water polo that she found her true calling. In her debut game as a goalkeeper, Jackie’s exceptional performance earned her a spot on the first-team all-tournament. This early success laid the foundation for her future achievements.
Graduating from Los Alamitos High School in 1998, Jackie excelled in both water polo and swimming. She was named First-Team All-America in water polo for all four years of her high school career. Under her leadership, the Los Al Griffins water polo team clinched the Southern Section Championship in 1996, while her swimming team secured the same title in 1994. The highlight of her junior year was leading her girls water polo team to an undefeated season with a perfect 24-0 record.
Jackie’s athletic prowess extended beyond the pool as she actively participated in the Key Club and was selected for the California Scholarship Federation. These experiences shaped her into a well-rounded individual, ready to face the challenges ahead.
Continuing her water polo journey at Stanford University, Jackie made a strong impact from the moment she stepped onto the collegiate scene. As a freshman in 1999, she redshirted to train with the U.S. National Team. Her dedication to her craft paid off as she returned to Stanford the following year. Although she did not compete in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she made her mark as a standout goalie for the Cardinal.
In her sophomore year, Jackie’s remarkable skills earned her the title of First Team All-America by the American Water Polo Coaches Association. She also received All-Tournament Team honors at both the NCAA and the MPSF Championships. With 151 saves in 25 games and holding opponents to just 79 goals, Jackie played a crucial role in Stanford’s success.
The year 2002 was particularly memorable for Jackie and the Stanford women’s water polo team. With an impressive 23-2 season, they avenged their previous year’s loss in the NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championship by defeating UCLA 8-4. Jackie’s exceptional performance earned her the MVP title of the tournament. In the final game, she made 12 saves and allowed only 1 goal when UCLA had a 6-on-5 advantage. This outstanding achievement led to her being named Player of the Year for the second consecutive year by the American Water Polo Coaches Association.
Not only was Jackie a force to be reckoned with in the water, but she also excelled academically. Her exceptional achievements in both realms were recognized by the Stanford Athletic Board, which awarded her the prestigious Block ‘S’ for the athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average. Moreover, she was selected as an Academic All-American, further showcasing her dedication and commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.
Jackie Frank DeLuca Cochran’s contributions to the sport of water polo and her dedication to academic success make her a role model for aspiring athletes. Her achievements not only exemplify her individual talent but also serve to inspire future generations of women in sports. Jackie’s impact on the water polo world and her recognition as a two-time collegiate National Player of the Year solidify her place in the annals of women’s athletics.
Awards:
– Bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympics
– Two-time collegiate National Player of the Year