University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Kari Hodges/UGAAA
Bulldog Spotlight: Getting To Know Kolby Branch
October 19, 2023 | Baseball
Sophomore Kolby Branch, a native of Lucas, Texas, has always set goals. It was something he learned from his father, Rusty. Kolby enjoyed an impressive first season at Baylor. He was tabbed Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball and was unanimously named to the Big-12 All-Freshman Team.
He started all 55 games at shortstop for the Bears in 2023 and captured the team's Triple Crown with a .325 batting average, six home runs and 41 RBI. Now pursuing a degree in business at the University of Georgia, he has embraced the work ethic of the Bulldogs and the opportunity to build upon his skills in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
When did you start playing baseball and did you have an "Aha!" moment where you fell in love with it?
"I started playing when I was super young, about four. When I started to fall in love with it was probably in high school. Getting to travel and do all the things with summer ball and play in high school was always fun for me."
What has the move from Baylor to Georgia been like?
"It is a lot more detail oriented. I love the work process. Everybody around here loves to work. I am not saying that they didn't like to work at Baylor. Everybody here is a collective group. With the new coaching staff, there is a new life. It is a good mix of everything. Everyone likes to work, and I am all here for it."
What was the draw for you to come to Georgia?
"The coaching staff was amazing and how they present themselves. Coming to the SEC, that was a goal. When you have the opportunity like that, I was all over it. I wanted to come play with the best, test myself a little bit and compete at the highest level."
Did you have any goals starting your collegiate career or what you wanted to accomplish your first season?
"Growing up all your life, you set goals. Our family is good about setting goals. My dad and I go over it. We talk and talk, and he helps me set those goals and realize that I can do it. I give a lot of props to him."
You captured the Triple Crown at Baylor last season. What parts of your game did you see improve in your first season of college ball?
"Hitting. I knew I could hit, but I didn't know how well it would translate to college. I just went out there and played like I always have. I knew that was one part of my game that stood out, and that was good. It is growing up and playing it over and over, you kind of get it down."
Did you ever think your first two collegiate home runs would be grand slams?
"That is crazy. That never happens. I was batting leadoff, and that is what is funny. They were saying, 'Man, you hit so many RBIs.' I was like, 'Nah, that is kind of a lie.' I just happened to run into two balls that were grand slams. That is just how the game goes."
What are your goals for your baseball career?
"To take it as far as I can. It has always been a fun deal where I am out there playing because I love the game. The more I can do that, see where it takes me and let God do the rest, that is my goal."
Outside of baseball, how do you like to spend your time?
"I am pretty chill. I like to hang with friends and family. I keep it simple. I spend time in the outdoors. My brother and I, we go out there, so anytime I can spend with them. I have three younger brothers. I spend a lot of time with them and do whatever they want to do."
What is your favorite baseball memory?
"My brother is a senior in high school now, so I got to play with him for some years in high school. Playing up the middle with him, that was a lot of fun for me."
What do you miss the most about Texas now that you're in Georgia?
"It is still the south with the hospitality. I like it here. It is nice. I would say the Mexican food. I haven't tried some down here yet. I need to. Some good Tex-Mex never hurt anybody."
(Bulldog Spotlight written by Julia Maenius, Georgia Sports Communications Graduate Assistant)
He started all 55 games at shortstop for the Bears in 2023 and captured the team's Triple Crown with a .325 batting average, six home runs and 41 RBI. Now pursuing a degree in business at the University of Georgia, he has embraced the work ethic of the Bulldogs and the opportunity to build upon his skills in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
When did you start playing baseball and did you have an "Aha!" moment where you fell in love with it?
"I started playing when I was super young, about four. When I started to fall in love with it was probably in high school. Getting to travel and do all the things with summer ball and play in high school was always fun for me."
What has the move from Baylor to Georgia been like?
"It is a lot more detail oriented. I love the work process. Everybody around here loves to work. I am not saying that they didn't like to work at Baylor. Everybody here is a collective group. With the new coaching staff, there is a new life. It is a good mix of everything. Everyone likes to work, and I am all here for it."
What was the draw for you to come to Georgia?
"The coaching staff was amazing and how they present themselves. Coming to the SEC, that was a goal. When you have the opportunity like that, I was all over it. I wanted to come play with the best, test myself a little bit and compete at the highest level."
Did you have any goals starting your collegiate career or what you wanted to accomplish your first season?
"Growing up all your life, you set goals. Our family is good about setting goals. My dad and I go over it. We talk and talk, and he helps me set those goals and realize that I can do it. I give a lot of props to him."
You captured the Triple Crown at Baylor last season. What parts of your game did you see improve in your first season of college ball?
"Hitting. I knew I could hit, but I didn't know how well it would translate to college. I just went out there and played like I always have. I knew that was one part of my game that stood out, and that was good. It is growing up and playing it over and over, you kind of get it down."
Did you ever think your first two collegiate home runs would be grand slams?
"That is crazy. That never happens. I was batting leadoff, and that is what is funny. They were saying, 'Man, you hit so many RBIs.' I was like, 'Nah, that is kind of a lie.' I just happened to run into two balls that were grand slams. That is just how the game goes."
What are your goals for your baseball career?
"To take it as far as I can. It has always been a fun deal where I am out there playing because I love the game. The more I can do that, see where it takes me and let God do the rest, that is my goal."
Outside of baseball, how do you like to spend your time?
"I am pretty chill. I like to hang with friends and family. I keep it simple. I spend time in the outdoors. My brother and I, we go out there, so anytime I can spend with them. I have three younger brothers. I spend a lot of time with them and do whatever they want to do."
What is your favorite baseball memory?
"My brother is a senior in high school now, so I got to play with him for some years in high school. Playing up the middle with him, that was a lot of fun for me."
What do you miss the most about Texas now that you're in Georgia?
"It is still the south with the hospitality. I like it here. It is nice. I would say the Mexican food. I haven't tried some down here yet. I need to. Some good Tex-Mex never hurt anybody."
(Bulldog Spotlight written by Julia Maenius, Georgia Sports Communications Graduate Assistant)
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