Junior shortstop Kyle Branch plays for the baseball team. He recently committed to the University of Oklahoma after coming off a successful season as all-district defensive player of the year.

Pre-game:

Pre-game meal: 10-count chicken mini (Chick-Fil-A)

Pre-game song: “Dancing In The Dark” by Rihanna

Favorite chip flavor: BBQ

Favorite MLB team: Texas Rangers

Post-game:

The Red Ledger: What made you stand out to programs in the recruiting process?

Kyle Branch: I would have to say my competitive play and my willingness to win. Whenever I am on the field, nothing else matters but winning whether I’m on top of my game or not. Also, my defense has improved a lot over the years, and I continue to get better.  

TRL: If you could play any other sport in college what would that be? Why?

KB: If it wasn’t baseball, I’d choose to play football. There’s nothing like Saturdays, especially in the fall, because of college football. It’s electric, and people are extremely loyal to their team.

TRL: How did it feel to receive that first college offer? 

KB: It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, being that I have been an OU fan my whole life. It outdid the other offers by a long shot because the staff there did a good job of communicating and helping me understand where the program was headed.  

TRL: What made Oklahoma stand out from the other programs?

KB: Oklahoma ruled over the other schools because it’s an incredible place to be. They have a prestigious history, and the program, baseball specifically, is headed in the right direction. I also have several connections and friends who live in Oklahoma that I can hunt within the off-season. 

TRL: What is your advice to younger baseball players trying to play in college? 

KB: Be able to accept failure, especially on the baseball field. The game is designed for you to fail 70% of the time. Always play hard, always be a good teammate and the rest will fall into play. 

TRL: What are you most looking forward to this baseball season? 

KB: I am extremely excited to see how my hard work done in the fall will pay off, and to take more of a leadership role on a fairly new team. We’re gonna be a younger team this year, so it’s going to be a fun experience. 

TRL: Who inspired you to play baseball and why? 

KB: Ever since I was a kid, I always tagged along to my big brother Kolby’s baseball games. I’d carry my bat and glove and play wall ball. He has been my biggest baseball inspiration because I witnessed his whole entire journey and watched him both succeed and fail and be the same player at all times.