Aug. 27, 2008

Former Providence College assistant women's tennis coach Kyle LaBranche has been hired as the head coach of the Friar tennis team. LaBranche served as an assistant from 2004 to 2005. In 2007, LaBranche became the Director of Providence College Stategy Tennis Camps.

A native of Cumberland, R.I., LaBranche is the son of former Providence tennis coach Carl LaBranche, who served as the head tennis coach from 1987 through 2003. Kyle LaBranche is a 2004 graduate of the University of Virginia, earning his B.S. in systems engineering. Currently, he is working on his master's of education in administration at Providence.

LaBranche has spent the last 10 years at the Sher-Le-Mon Swim Club in Cumberland as the Head Tennis Professional and Director of Tennis. He was in charge of coordinating and teaching lessons to children and adults of all ages, as well as organizing tournaments and club team programs.

While at Virginia, LaBranche served as the head coach of the varsity boy's tennis team at Albemarle High School from 2002 through 2003. Albemarle earned consecutive district championships under LaBranche, and was honored as District Coach of the Year for his success in both seasons.

LaBranche takes over a team that finished the 2007-08 season with a 9-10 mark. The Friars return to the courts for their first fall match on Saturday, September 6 when they travel to Fairfield, Conn. to take on Sacred Heart University. Matches are set to begin at 9:00 a.m.