There are so many coaches in the world, and many of them only see their job as only to create champions and cut down that net in a championship game. The fact is that many fail to really get to know or even develop a connection with their players. It takes a special type of coach to be able to take players from different backgrounds and different schools and make them into a small family. That was a task that Coach Tony Branch was able to achieve. Tony Branch for years has taken so many girls and made them into a family that not only likes to play and win together, but also likes to have fun off the court together. Personally, Tony Branch has opened up my eyes to how close a team can get not only on the court but off the court as well, and he has also helped me reveal aspects of my basketball game that I never knew I even had. Tony Branch is a tough coach that does not take laziness or excuses in any way, and he does everything that he can to develop and produce the best players in the region. From day one, Coach Tony took me under his wing and treated me as if he had known me for years. He pushed me to develop my skills as a player, and he forced me out side of my comfort zone when playing which consequently made me excel in the sport of basketball, and I cannot thank him enough. Tony Branch has been a very influential part in my life, and he has definitely improved my life not only in the aspect of basketball but also in my relationship with my teammates.- Jessica Bell (Former Player)
Coach Tony is truly an incredible man. His words of encouragement to keep going and stay strong are very helpful and on point. Knowing Coach Tony for just a short time, has made me want to better myself not just for myself but for my son as well. Coach Tony gives you that extra push that you need to keep going on your journey of life. Ever since he has came into my son and I life he has been nothing but positive. Showing my son that there are endless possibilities out there in the world and that he can do anything that he puts his mind too. - Ashtyn Evans
Hi Coach, I am elated to see this website created and alive. Many people can learn from you and certainly are/can/continue to be inspired by your life. Love the pictures of you and the girls. How precious! Love the video of you and James M. (don't want to butcher the spelling of his name lol). The video is sooooooo moving. When God favors you, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it but accept His blessings and continue to make a difference in the lives of others. It is an honor to have befriended you. Keep inspiring, keep coaching, keep living life to its fullest. All the best. - Lady Bree Davis
I have known Coach Tony now for a couple of years and he always seems to amaze me. The way he speaks and motivates people is amazing. He will come into our store (Schuylkill Valley Sports) and always find ways to brighten people's days. There have been numerous times that he would come in and randomly do these "acts of kindness" where he would bless some little kids with gifts from our store. Coach Tony was once a customer to us all but now a friend as well. Coach Tony's dedication is unmatched and his type of kindness is not seen as much these days to people. One thing I remember him tell everyone he blesses is "when you can pay it forward, do it." - Matt Erney: Assistant Manager at Schuylkill Valley Sports (Pennsylvania)
I am the mother of Gloria Jeter (power forward for Martin Methodist College). I just wanted to be one of the first to respond on the impact that he's had in my daughter's life..and mine. I saw Coach Tony several times before I ever formally met him at Gary West Side's girls' basketball games talking to the players. I had no idea who he was, so I asked because I'm naturally nosey. So, my daughter decided to play for his AAU team one spring. So, when I met him, I didn't think much of it. It was a cut and dry intro as he addressed all the parents about the "cuts" process. But, after a few times of me attending those practices with my daughter, I saw her blossoming into a different player. She had this confidence that was just so awesome that I would get choked up just watching her play. She had always been afraid of short comings because she had only played basketball in high school while all the other girls had been playing for years. But, Coach Tony changed that. Not only on the court, but in her life. They became almost like a favorite uncle/niece duo! He would call and ask to keep her so they could go to dinner and talk shop or take her to a concert just because. He bought her sports gear as he did all the players. And, lots of times, if not all, was out of his own money! However, the way he loves my daughter helped me, too. You see, I had been trying my hardest to instill values and self-worth into her from the time she was born; nevertheless, there was no way I could show her how she should be treated by a man and to never accept anything less than to be shown by a REAL MAN! Thank you Coach Tony, from the depths of my heart! I will love you forever! - Yolanda Feagin
Are we talking about big head Coach Tony? One of the realist coaches I have ever met in my life. Oh well, pull up a chair for this one. I been knowing Coach for almost 10 years and he never gave up on me. I respect him more than some of my own family members. I appreciate the daily inspirational text he sends me. There are some days I may be down and feel like I want to give up. Did I mention how giving he is? If you respect him and be truthful, than you might as well call him your God Dad . He's always there for advice. You might not want to have a conversation about food though because you might be 100 yrs old when it's over (ha, ha). But I'm now a college student athlete with a 3.6 gpa because of people like him telling me no matter where basketball takes me make sure I get my grades. Just in case basketball can't support me and my family which doesn't sound smart to a lot of young college students because they just want to play sports and forget about the main prize which is to get their degree. When I was a youngster playing AAU we bumped heads a few times because Coach Tony is never wrong (ha, ha) but those little bumps and bruises made us closer. I feel like the most I can do to pay him back is to help out with his AAU teams for all the things he has done for me over the years. He's always trying to get me fat by taking me out to eat whenever we're both in town. I still love giving him that quick cross over when he reaches for the basketball. I just want to say, I appreciate you Coach Tony for calling coaches to always believing in me telling me I can go D1, be successful and that I'm one of the best Pg's you coached. That means so much to me especially after being over looked. Continue being a great coach, a great leader, motivational speaker to all ages, and a chunky money who eats fish chips and ice cream with apple pie 24/7. I love you Coach!!! -
Shay #24
Shay #24
WOW!! Where do I begin? I am honored to be a part of the “Coach Tony” legacy. Coach Tony is more than a coach to these young ladies; he is a mentor, a support system, a friend and a father figure. Tony has brought out the strong points in the girls that most of them did not know they had. He makes himself readily available for them on and off the court. Tony praises them when they deserve it and corrects them when they are wrong. I personally have never seen such a dynamic sisterhood with any team my child has played for like this one. He makes everyone feel like a family, parents included. I am blessed to have him as a friend and a coach for my daughter. Tony has supported several teams other than his own because his heart is just that big. I believe he lives for these girls having the best college career and life possible. He makes basketball enjoyable for the girls. Tony is an amazing man and a wonderful coach and with the grace of GOD he will be rewarded abundantly for his work and generosity. I meet people every day but it is only a few that leave a lasting impression and he has done just that. No matter what direction our paths take I will always remember “Coach Tony” and the way he impacted our lives with wisdom and knowledge. Thank you so much for allowing my child to be part of your basketball family. We love you and wish you much success in all that you do. - Cheryl Thomas
I met Coach Tony Branch in 2009. My daughter Emily played high school
basketball and heard about Coach Tony from another girl on her team.
It was three nervous days of tryouts and waiting to see who made the team but Emily made the cut. From that day on, she has been part of Coach Tony's team even though there is no game to play these days.
Coach Tony remained a part of lives even when the season was over. Keeping in contact with us and becoming part of the family. The girls that Emily played with on the team became friends and a bond was formed that is on going to this day.
When my youngest daughter Hollie had the opportunity to play for Coach Tony in 2014, she was so excited to be a part of the same team her sister had played on.
Coach Tony has become mentor, confidant and a member of our family. He encourages the girls to do well in school and in their daily endeavors.
He has become my friend and trusted adviser. I know I can call him any time my spirits need to be lifted. We love when he visits and shares stories about his past and makes us feel like we are part of his family like he has become a part of ours. I am thankful that God put him in our lives.
Carol, Emily & Hollie Witvoet
It was three nervous days of tryouts and waiting to see who made the team but Emily made the cut. From that day on, she has been part of Coach Tony's team even though there is no game to play these days.
Coach Tony remained a part of lives even when the season was over. Keeping in contact with us and becoming part of the family. The girls that Emily played with on the team became friends and a bond was formed that is on going to this day.
When my youngest daughter Hollie had the opportunity to play for Coach Tony in 2014, she was so excited to be a part of the same team her sister had played on.
Coach Tony has become mentor, confidant and a member of our family. He encourages the girls to do well in school and in their daily endeavors.
He has become my friend and trusted adviser. I know I can call him any time my spirits need to be lifted. We love when he visits and shares stories about his past and makes us feel like we are part of his family like he has become a part of ours. I am thankful that God put him in our lives.
Carol, Emily & Hollie Witvoet