LaBranche was four-year starter for the Cadet softball program, earning Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Conference honors every year of her outstanding career. She capped off her career by being named the GNAC Player of the Year in 2004.
LaBranche led the Cadets in virtually every offensive category as a senior, compiling a .416 batting average, 47 hits, 12 doubles, eight triples (ranked fourth in the nation), .664 slugging percentage, .484 on-base percentage and 13 stolen bases. She was a two-time GNAC First Team All-Conference selection as a junior and senior as well as a two-time Second Team honoree during her freshman and sophomore seasons. LaBranche was the NU offensive MVP for her final three seasons and she served as the team captain during her junior and senior years.
Initially, LaBranche was only going to play on the basketball team. However, she was convinced to play softball as well during her freshman season. She ended up playing softball all four seasons and spent two years with the basketball team.
LaBranche recalled some of her favorite memories coming on the softball team’s annual spring break trip. “I loved our spring break trip,” she said. “It was always a great way to kick off the season. All of my close friends were softball and basketball teammates. Between softball and my connections at Norwich, that’s gotten me to where I am now.”
Following Norwich, LaBranche went back to get her Masters from Springfield College in 2008. She now teaches kindergarten and got married in 2012 to her wife Elaine Schwager. They live in North Andover, Mass with their five-month old little girl Peyton.
