MEET THE ELEVATE OWNERS

Coach Branche grew up playing lacrosse in Syracuse New York and has lived in the Atlanta area for the last 24 years with his wife and kids.  Coach Branche started the Mountain View High School Boys Lacrosse program as its first Director of Lacrosse while also assisting in the development of the coaches and players in the Mountain View Youth Lacrosse program at its inception. 

In 2019 Coach Branche moved to Buford High School where he took on the role of Varsity Offensive Coodininator where they made it to the 5A GHSA Lacrosse Final Four.  The 2020 Buford team moved up to 6A/7A and went undefeated until the COVID shutdown, beating some tough teams like McCallie School out of Chattanooga, TN on the road.  Before retiring from coaching Varsity lacrosse in 2021 so he could spend more time with his family, he helped Buford make it to the 6A/7A GHSA Elite 8.

Throughout his time coaching Varsity level lacrosse, Coach Branche was also coaching youth and travel lacrosse at all age groups and skill levels which helps him bring an uncommon breadth and depth of experience to Elevate.  His goal is  to develop his players into more than just elite lacrosse players; it is also to develop them into productive young men with character, work ethic, and integrity.

Mark was named Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach in September 2023 and will begin his second season with Piedmont in the spring of 2025. Destro joins the Lions after spending this past season as Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach at Oglethorpe University. Overall, Destro boasts seven seasons of collegiate coaching experience, all of which have come at the NCAA Division III level. Destro began his coaching career as Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach for Sewanee in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, helping the team secure two conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. After the 2016 season, Destro moved to the University of Mount Union before spending two seasons coaching at Methodist University as an assistant coach in 2018 and 2019. As a collegiate athlete, Destro played three seasons of lacrosse as a goalie at The Catholic University of America, while he also earned Division I experience, playing for both Manhattan College and Jacksonville University. In 2022, Destro earned his master's of business administration from Liberty University and also has a bachelor of arts in history from Catholic University of America, which he earned in 2014.

HIGHLIGHTS & SPECIALTY: Goalie

Nick is a distinguished lacrosse player who excelled as a Varsity offensive attackman at Mill Creek High School from 2012 to 2015. During his high school career, he showcased exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Continuing his passion for lacrosse in college, Nick was a three-time team captain for the Georgia College & State University (GCSU) club lacrosse team from 2016 to 2019, where he led his team with dedication and strategic prowess. His leadership and talent have left a lasting impact on both his high school and college lacrosse teams. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership Nick turned into a coach in 2023. He returned to his alma mater, Mill Creek High School, as an assistant coach for the offense. In 2024, he took on the role of defensive coordinator at Hebron Christian Academy, bringing his expertise and passion for the game to a new team.  

Kira has over 14 years of experience within the lacrosse community from both playing and coaching at multiple competitive levels. She is a local resident of Cobb County, but grew up playing for Forsyth County recreational teams as well as becoming a 4 year letterman, Defensive MVP, and Defensive Captain at South Forsyth High School. Kira played club lacrosse during her recruitment journey with LB3 and then Southern Zone. For her collegiate career, Kira attended and played D2 lacrosse at North Greenville University from 2018-2022, where she was a 3-year defensive team captain, All-Conference team player, Heart & Hustle award winner, and a 2-time Defensive MVP. Kira is passionate about transforming players into both stellar athletes and society members by playing and excelling at the game they all love as her own coaches have before her. 

HIGHLIGHTS & SPECIALTY: Defense

Coach Nicole is currently a coach with AXIS Lacrosse Club in Gwinnett County GA.  She just completed her fourth coaching season with them. Originally from Brewster, NY, Nicole began coaching youth lacrosse in high school, aiming to share the knowledge of the game to talent in her community. She went on to play collegiate lacrosse at Roger Williams University, where she served as a team captain, earned All-Conference honors, and helped lead the Hawks to their first-ever Conference title. 

Since graduating, Nicole has coached with various clubs, camps, and high school teams, continuing to promote her love for the game. She also worked for the Georgia Swarm in Duluth, GA, blending her passion for lacrosse and media. Currently, Nicole is the Digital Media Manager for Premier Rugby Sevens.

Ronnie is a native of Kingsport, TN and moved to Georgia at a young age. He has spent his life involved in athletics from playing to coaching to officiating. Ronnie has coached youth lacrosse for 4 seasons, is currently a Head Coach for Crown Lacrosse Georgia and is the Store Operator for Lacrosse Unlimited of Cumming, GA. As a coach his players not only grew in lacrosse knowledge and skill, but in confidence in themselves on and off the field. He not only loves the game but has a passion for the game of lacrosse, seeing the growth of lacrosse and players in Georgia brings him joy. Ronnie’s goal is to promote education and growth within his players. “Hard work outperforms talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” is often heard on and off the field from Ronnie.  He is married to Melissa, his wife of 19 years. Together Melissa and Ronnie have two children, Lorelei and Elijah.