Having someone who will always have your back and love you is my life’s top priority. I met Coach Branca sometime ago at his old school he used to coach at and we hit off from there. He recognized my reason and why I trust in the Lord. We never had to talk about it, he understood that it was a belief in me. He is a guy you can call on when you need advice. I get messages from him every morning and it’s great for me. Thanks, Coach!

Coach Branca was more than just a coach to me, he was a source of inspiration, a friend, and a great mentor. His belief in me, even during the most challenging days of my 2024 NFL draft preparation, kept me motivated and focused on my goals. When doubt crept in, he was always there with encouraging words and a positive outlook. His ability to find the silver lining, even in the toughest of workouts, helped me learn and grow as an athlete. Beyond football, Coach Branca also played a crucial role in shaping me as a man. He guided me through my faith in God, helping me strengthen my spiritual side and find purpose beyond the sport. Even though the NFL draft didn't go as planned, his continued support and encouragement have been invaluable. His daily verses and words of wisdom inspire me to strive for success in all areas of my life as a future father, husband, and individual.

I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen Branca ages ago when I was about 9-10 years old. He worked and coached with my uncle. We immediately clicked and I was pleasantly surprised that a coach noticed me and recognized such a young kid with all of the high schoolers around. We continued to have this bond as I moved to Florida from North Carolina for high school. He was not only a very knowledgeable coach, but a great person, and friend to me as well. As I grew as a baseball player he not only helped me physically but mentally and spiritually as well. He’s helped me prepare for really big stages of my life and has been a constant factor of support for me. One of those relationships where even if you don’t talk for awhile you pick up right where you left off. Stephen is a guy that I can look at and say that’s how I want my life to be, as a man, as a father, husband, brother, and follower of Christ! Thank you for all you have done for me! All love forever

Steve is as steady as it gets.

I met Steve over the summer a few years back as I was in the process of training for the upcoming NFL season. Steve was in charge of facilities at the Masters Academy, and I would get the opportunity to speak with him daily as he would facilitate access to use the facilities for the training sessions. As we continued to speak and get to know one another, Steve asked if he could send me a bible verse with a follow up message for how we can apply the scripture in our daily lives.

People in my past have done this before, and I am always very thankful for the time and effort that people put in. This was different though. Steve has sent a message every day for years. I have never seen someone as steadfast and committed to pouring into others as Steve with no benefit of his own. These daily messages have penetrated my heart and I think of them often. Day by day, I get a little bit better because of Steve and I am forever grateful for our friendship.

I am excited for Steve as he goes into his next chapter of leading young men and pointing them to Christ, but even more so excited for the impact that he will have on the people that he gets around

Working with Stephen has been an incredible experience. From day one, he showed a genuine interest in my growth, helping me unlock potential I didn't know I had, in my faith and in my athletic journey. Stephen's guidance goes beyond just advice; he took the time to understand my goals, my strengths, and the challenges I faced, always providing personalized support and encouragement. Stephen has the ability to make complex ideas simple and practical, which has helped me to solve obstacles and achieve milestones I once thought were out of reach. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance. Thank you, Stephen, for being such an inspiring mentor and role model. His wisdom has been more impactful in my life than i could ever imagine and has set me up for success for days to come.

Coach Branca is truly one of a kind. I say that because most coaches you get just care about shaping the “player” in you. Coach Branca cared about more than shaping me as a player but shaping me as a man. Shortly after I met Coach Branca he became someone I look up to and an inspiration. He will go above and beyond for you and lead you in the right direction. Even after him coaching me in baseball he continues to coach me about the game of life. He is a Godly man, an amazing father, and husband, and willing to go to bat for you. Coach Branca is everything you need to meet your full potential.

I met Coach Branca during my time at UCF and right away he felt like someone I’ve known my whole life. He is a great role model and mentor. I remember one day at UCF I was going through a rough time and we took a walk around the stadium and talked about everything. That was a major turning point in my career. I never knew how something so small could be such a game-changer for me. In Life or Baseball, I know he is someone I can always count on!

Coach Branca is one of my favorite coaches and humans ever. This is a guy who knows the ins and outs of every aspect of the game and one of the best coaches around but most importantly he’s a coach that truly loves you and cares for you. One-of-a-kind coach and human, something I believe is hard to come by nowadays. From the first time I met him when I was 13, I instantly felt like family. He taught me not only how to be a baseball player but also taught me how to be mentally tough, how to truly love the game, and love the ones around you. One of the most significant ways Coach Branca impacted me was by instilling a sense of confidence and self-belief. He offered guidance and advice that helped me navigate life's challenges, from balancing academics and athletics to making important life decisions. There is not one bad thing to say about Coach Branca, he is the mentor you NEED in your athletic career If you want to unlock your full potential on and off the field.

Coach Branca has helped shape me into the athlete and individual I am today. His mentorship during a defining moment in my soccer career where I sustained an injury played a pivotal role in guiding my overall mentality. Coach Branca’s influence goes far beyond the pitch; he has shown me that true character is built off the field as much as on it. Through his guidance, I have learned the crucial difference between defining myself by the sport I play and understanding who I am through the eyes of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I’ve known Coach Branca since I was 18 (now 24), and he has helped me overcome some of the toughest moments in my life. I appreciate his honesty and I am blessed to have him in my corner as he has helped me stay determined, focused, and confident as I follow my lifelong goals.

I’ve been an athlete my whole life and I’ve been playing football for around 14 years now. I’ve been working with Coach Branca for about 4 months and learned more in that time than most of my life playing football. He’s not only a coach, but he’s a great friend I’ve been able to ask him anything he, can get it done. I’m very grateful to have them as a mentor and a coach.

Coach, you have been THE biggest blessing! Jace has grown both mentally and physically since working with you! He’s a beast but even an even greater beast since working with you. It’s been hard since the season started to fit him in with our family’s busy schedule but the time and work haven’t gone unnoticed. You have motivated him to want to be GREAT! And he now knows the meaning behind what we always tell him “Nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream” on days he didn’t want to go, he fought through it and pushed himself. The results speak for itself! THANK YOU! HE THANKS YOU!

I first met Stephen Branca in 2019 at UCF and he instantly became a friend, mentor, and someone I looked up to. He was our director of baseball operations but did way more than that. He motivated me in the game of baseball, mentored me in life and my faith, and made the days more enjoyable. What made me look up to him was how relatable Branca was. He knew what to say and how to say it and wasn’t afraid. But really, Branca knew what it was like to be in my shoes. He made it easy for me to understand how to walk through the life I wanted to live. What stood out about him was the fact that no matter the situation he would understand it and figure a way out to help you. I’m glad I get to call this guy my good friend.

Good people are hard to find these days, but great friends are even harder to come by. Coach Branca is just that, not only an amazing person but a great friend as well. I played for Coach Branca roughly 8 years ago. I had several hitting coaches before him and only had the opportunity to spend a single year with him. My game lacked something, and the only person to find that simple fix was Coach Branca. I went on to have my best season of college baseball season of my career, and I contribute a lot of that success to him. He took the time to notice the little things that nobody else cared to. Not only did he take the time on the field, but he was a man of the people off the field as well. He took the time to gather anyone who wanted to come over to his home for dinner and scripture once a week. This was often one of the best days of the week for me. I came from a life situation where this type of external family setting was never a thought. It was amazing, and I was thankful to be a part of it. Fast forward to today, I saw that Coach Branca was now offering his fitness and life coaching experience again. I reached out to him asking if he was available for a phone call. Shortly after, it was like we had never skipped a beat. I put so much trust in this man, and I know he has my absolute best interest in mind. This might be a long winded story, but I absolutely cannot speak highly enough of Coach Branca.

Coach Branca is easily one of my favorite coaches of all time. In high-level athletics, it’s not easy to find coaches who truly care about their players (outside of their sport) and are willing to invest in the lives of their players; many are solely focused on winning games. Coach Branca is one of the exceptions to that. Not to say he doesn’t want to win, but it’s evident in his style that he knows there’s more to sport than wins/losses. We need more leaders like Coach Branca in athletics and our world!

I was blessed enough to have been coached by Stephen Branca my senior year of college. No words can accurately describe the value he brought to my life not just as a college athlete, but as a person whose main goal in life is to give back and help others in any way possible. As a coach, he went above and beyond to help me get to where I envisioned myself to be when I stepped onto the diamond every day, ultimately knowing when I hung up my cleats for the final time I had left it all on the field. As a person, he welcomed me into his home and made me feel like a part of his family showing he truly cared about the man I was when I wasn’t on the field. A lesson I still carry with me today came from a book he gave me called “The Energy Bus” which is about how a positive mindset can combat everyday struggles within your team, your family, and in your life. This book embodies what Branca is all about because of his relentless positive attitude, willingness to help others overcome any obstacles they encounter, and helping people get the most out of themselves. The lessons he taught me were instrumental in my success as an athlete and now as a person who continues to learn and grow everyday and who still has the “athlete mindset”. To this day his name remains in my phone as “Coach Branca” because although he is no longer my baseball coach, I truly believe he will always be a life coach to me every step of the way. Thank you Coach Branca for everything you have done for myself and others, and everything you will do in the future.

Coach Branca was my infield coach at Saint Leo University, and what stands out most about him is how much he genuinely cared about me as both a player and a person. His coaching went far beyond improving my skills on the field- he imparted life lessons that have stayed with me to this day.

Among all the coaches I played for, Coach Branca is one who always brings a smile to my face. His passion for the game and dedication to his players are unmatched. I hold him in the highest regard and highly recommend him for anyone looking to elevate both their game and personal growth.