On the field, senior soccer captain Talan Rochelle never fails to impress us with his strong skill set. Off the field, he is continuously finding ways to perfect his game.
Rochelle’s happenstance introduction to the sport at a young age was the start to an amazing soccer career filled with achievements that’s only getting started.
Talan was introduced to the sport when he was three years old at a youth soccer camp his older sister Taylor attended. While practicing, a coach approached Talan with a soccer ball, where he began running drills with all the older kids. That was when Talan’s dad, Eric Rochelle, knew he was going somewhere.
“It was something that naturally happened, and from that his love started to grow to where it is today” said Eric Rochelle.
Talan’s growing love for the sport served as a bonding moment for him and his father, who he labeled his biggest motivator.
“He has worked so hard to accomplish what he has and I base myself on those principles of hard work. I think that’s what’s driven me to go so far in soccer” said Talan Rochelle.
Following in the footsteps of his dad, who played soccer in his youth, Talan joined the Varsity soccer team his sophomore year and has served as a team captain since his junior season.
Talan has continued to impress on the field ever since his sophomore year with his ever growing skill set that has garnered attention from many colleges, but most importantly Gonzaga University.
Talan had been on Gonzaga’s radar for quite a long time, having been in communication with them since his sophomore year.
This was not an easy decision to make as he received offers from Georgetown, Oregon State and Princeton as well.
It wasn’t until he gave the University a visit and had the chance to play with some future teammates where he knew that was where he wanted to be.
“Dad, this is my spot. I love this place.” said Eric Rochelle about a phone call he received from Talan during his visit which really solidified his decision for the next four years. Talan took the offer from Gonzaga and recently committed.
With a whole senior season left and a D1 commitment secured, you might think he would take it easy. Well, you don’t know Talan Rochelle.
“Once I get to college I’m going to play with people four years older than me and if I want to survive at that level I have to keep working. It never stops”
Talan’s strong work ethic is going to come in handy in the near future as he takes his skills to the collegiate level in the fall.
