Albany, NY — Russell Sage College's Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins announced the selection Michael Branche (Schenectady, NY/Colonie) as the head women's tennis coach.  Branche, who also serves as the assistant women's basketball coach at RSC, joined the women's basketball coaching staff in the summer of 2020. 

This past fall he served as the assistant women's tennis coach and helped to coach the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Player and Rookie of the Year, Maddie Cherry.

Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins commented, "I am thrilled to announce Michael Branche as our new head women's tennis coach, effective immediately." She added, "Michael stepped in during the fall as the program's assistant coach and did an outstanding job with the women's tennis team.  I'm looking forward to the growth of the women's tennis program under Michael's leadership and coaching.  He has been a valuable member of the Athletic Department in his role as assistant women's basketball coach as well and I'm looking forward to his continued involvement in both programs."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to play a part in these young student-athletes development and growth," noted Michael Branche. He added, "Last season was a great learning experience, and we look to continue to build the culture and success in the future."                                          

Branche, who was a three-year letterwinner at Alfred University on the men's basketball team, earned his bachelor's degree in finance in 2014. He also earned a master's degree from Georgetown University in 2017 in professional studies in sports management.

He possesses a diverse background with a proven record of player development and building a positive team culture. He worked previously at Ashford University from 2017-2019 as an Enrollment Services Advisor and also served as the Premier Basketball Club Head Coach for two years. As the head coach at the Premier Basketball Club, he designed and managed practice plans aimed to develop growth as a team and player development.