As Pronghorn Women's Basketball prepares for the 2024-25 season, the program is excited to announce the return of Donna Branch as lead assistant coach. Branch, a familiar face and Pronghorns legend, brings a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and a deep commitment to player development. Under the leadership of head coach Dave Waknuk, the team is eager for an exciting season of growth and potential. 

Branch, who played for the Pronghorns in the late 1970s, is a Southern Alberta basketball icon. After completing her playing career, she transitioned into coaching, beginning with two years as an assistant coach at the University of Lethbridge. Her coaching résumé expanded to include national-level experience, along with an impressive eight-year tenure as head coach for the Horns from 2004 to 2012. Committed to developing local talent, Donna also coached the Stirling Lakers, where she guided the team to five Provincial Gold Medals and helped shape numerous players who went on to succeed at the post-secondary level. 

Reflecting on her return, Branch shared, "I have always been a Pronghorn at heart. To come back after retiring from teaching is something I am so looking forward to. The present team has quite a few veterans, and I hope to assist them in picking up where the season ended last year and help take them to the next level of competition. I believe that working with Dave and the team will allow me to share the knowledge and experience I've gained over the years." 

Head coach Dave Waknuk echoed Branch's sentiments, highlighting her basketball knowledge and invaluable experience. "Donna will bring her tremendous basketball IQ and understanding of the game to our program. She has an outstanding critical eye for detail and a great ability to teach the fundamentals of the sport. The core of our team is built on always looking to improve and grow, and having Donna's vast knowledge will be key in continuing this journey." 

Waknuk also emphasized the unique opportunity to collaborate with a coach of Branch's stature. "It's rare to have the chance to work alongside someone with more experience than yourself. Donna has coached at a high level for an extended period, and I'm excited for both myself and the team to learn from her as we continue to build the Pronghorns program." 

Branch's contributions to Southern Alberta basketball extend beyond her role with the Pronghorns. Through her leadership with the Stirling Lakers, she has consistently developed local talent, with several of her players going on to play at the post-secondary level, including for the Pronghorns. "There's a lot of high school talent in this area, and I wish a few more would find their way to the University of Lethbridge," Branch said. "I'm proud of the players I've helped guide to this program and am excited to continue contributing to the growth of the team." 

Pronghorn Athletic Director Spencer Pommells added, "Donna's return is a big win for our program. Her experience at every level of the game, brings invaluable insight. Our focus is on performance and development, and Donna's history of cultivating strong players and building relationships aligns with where we want to be." 

With a blend of veteran leadership and promising young talent, Pronghorn Women's Basketball is eager to make strides in the upcoming season. Under the guidance of Waknuk and Branch, the program aims to harness its potential in Canada West competition.