Theresa (Zach) Branco chose NDSCS primarily for volleyball, to remain close to her hometown of Rosholt, SD, and to benefit from the smaller class sizes during her first two years of college. She leveraged her experiences in volleyball and academics at NDSCS as a launch pad for success, instilling the confidence and discipline that propelled her career in the chemistry field and fueled her passion for competitive kickboxing.
Some of Theresa’s most cherished memories from her time at NDSCS revolve around her volleyball coaches and teammates, her enriching internship with Cargill, and the engaging Organic Chemistry classes with Dr. Shay. In 2015, Theresa graduated with an Associate of Science degree, focusing on Chemistry. At the time, she wasn’t entirely sure of her future path, but her love for chemistry and lab work drove her decision. Influenced by chemists at Cargill, she saw a viable career in the industry, which led her to continue her education at NDSU for her bachelor's degree in Chemistry.
As a volleyball player at NDSCS, Theresa enjoyed a unique college experience filled with road trips, ice cream stops, laughter, and lasting friendships. Coach Passa, who still supports her, always reminded the team to focus on one volley at a time – a lesson that applies to fighting as well. Coach Passa adds, “Theresa, fondly known as ‘Tree,’ exemplifies the essence of grit—a combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. Her relentless drive not only propelled her to athletic success but also laid the foundation for her achievements beyond the ring. Her story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how grit can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional excellence. My husband and I had an opportunity to watch her compete and were impressed by her dedication and intensity. It is exciting to see her do what she loves and be so successful. I am very proud of Tree.” At NDSCS, Theresa developed confidence in overcoming significant challenges and embraced her roles with enthusiasm. She wouldn’t change a thing about her time at NDSCS.
Theresa’s first job after graduation was at LifeSource organ donation center in North Minneapolis, testing donor samples in the lab. Although it was graveyard shift work, she was eager to kickstart her career. Throughout her professional journey, she explored various lab settings, progressing to an R&D Scientist at H.B. Fuller, where she formulated adhesives. In 2021, she transitioned out of the lab to work remotely for Millipore Sigma (formerly Sigma Aldrich). In her role as a Technical Service Scientist, she collaborates with customers to navigate the catalog, select research products, and address technical inquiries. It’s been a rewarding and unexpected path, allowing her to work from home alongside her golden doodle, Russell, while remaining connected with an amazing team.
Four years ago, Theresa began her kickboxing journey at a fitness gym and soon decided to pursue competition. After joining a Muay Thai gym, she entered her first fight alongside her husband six months later. Since then, she has competed 26 times, traveling across the country for competitions and tournaments. This past March, she won a tournament on the East Coast and qualified for the US National Muay Thai team. This month, she will be representing Team USA at the IFMA World Championships in Antalya, Turkey, competing against ladies from 15 countries. She’s excited to showcase her skills on the world stage!
Theresa’s current goals include pursuing a professional kickboxing career and being able to look back and say she was a pro athlete. She encourages others to make an effort to try new things and meet new people, to find a way to move their bodies that they enjoy, to stay true to themselves, trust their instincts, and always keep their goals in mind.
Theresa’s journey can be followed on Instagram: [@theresa.branco](https://instagram.com/theresa.branco).