In April 2024, Russell Sage College announced the hiring of Michael Branche (Albany, N.Y.) as its head women’s basketball coach.

Branche had been the assistant women’s basketball coach since July 2020, helping the Gators make back-to-back appearances in the Semifinals of the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament. During his tenure, he assisted with the development of an All-American, the 2022-23 E8 Player of the Year, the 2021-22 E8 Rookie of the Year and six All-Conference players.

“I want to thank Jim Lyons, Erica Faas-Li, Trish Cellemme, and the rest of the Athletic Department for the opportunity to become Russell Sage College's next head women's basketball coach,” said Branche. “It is a dream come true to be a part of this program in my hometown. Over the past four years, I have developed a strong connection with the college and this incredible group of student-athletes. I am beyond excited to grow this program and compete for conference championships while developing student-athletes on and off the court.”

He has also been on the RSC women’s tennis coaching staff since 2021, serving as an assistant on the 2021 squad before ascending to the head coaching position in February 2022. The Gators have had the E8 Player of the Year, the E8 Rookie of the Year and five All-E8 selections since Branche has been on staff.

“We are excited to announce Michael's hiring as our next women's basketball coach at Russell Sage,” said Jim Lyons, Director of Athletics. “He emerged from a strong pool of applicants to become a clear choice of all groups involved in the search. As someone who has worn many hats over his time at Russell Sage, I am thrilled that we will be finally able to count Michael as a full-time member of our Athletics Staff.  A proven recruiter for both women's basketball and tennis, Michael’s passion for our basketball program is evident to anyone who talks with him about the team and its bright future.  I am certain that Michael possesses the skills to bring us championships on the court(s), and to develop the young women in his programs to be the best they can be as students and as people.”

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