How Jaiden Kocak’s goal gave Dorman boys lacrosse first state championship
For the first time in school history, Dorman boys lacrosse won a state championship, proving doubters wrong after losing to Wando last season.
COLUMBIA — Jaiden Kocak’s palms probably have never been sweatier his whole life. Still, the junior attacker for Dorman lacrosse held on to his stick as if the outcome of his season hinged on it. Well, it did.
With nine seconds to go in overtime, Kocak caught the ball and hit a 360 spin as he sent the rubber ball into the net. The goal might’ve just been the most important of his career. Granted, he hit the winning goal in triple overtime on May 5 in the Upper State finals to send his team to the championship game.
But this goal gave Dorman boys lacrosse something they’ve never had before — a state championship victory, as the Cavaliers defeated Wando 9-8 in the Class 5A-D1 title game on May 9 at Irmo High School. “I saw the ball in the air, I caught it, and my first thought was to just shoot it as quick as possible,” Kocak said. “I was definitely nervous.
Even though you practice things like that a million times, and go through these scenarios, you never want to be the one to mess up. And I’m glad I wasn’t. “Overall, this feels amazing.