BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners’ Jennie Baranczyk Named AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for Third Consecutive Season
In an era defined by dynasties and dominant programs, Jennie Baranczyk has carved out a legacy of her own in Norman, Oklahoma. For the third consecutive season, the Associated Press has named the Oklahoma Sooners’ head coach the AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year—a historic honor that further cements her status as one of the sport’s most influential and accomplished figures.
Baranczyk, who took over the Sooners program in 2021, has transformed Oklahoma into a powerhouse of consistency, grit, and excellence. Her third straight Coach of the Year title is not just a reflection of wins and championships—it is a resounding acknowledgment of her culture-building, leadership, and transformative impact on women’s college basketball.
The Hallmark of Consistency
What makes Baranczyk’s latest accolade so impressive is the consistency it represents. In the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, Oklahoma emerged as a dominant force in the Big 12, and the 2024-25 campaign proved to be yet another defining chapter. The Sooners finished the regular season with a 29-2 record, clinched their third straight Big 12 title, and reached the Final Four for the second time in Baranczyk’s tenure.
Voters pointed to Baranczyk’s ability to maintain elite performance despite roster turnover, injuries, and an increasingly competitive national landscape. Her teams have routinely displayed one of the most potent offenses in the nation, complemented by tenacious defense and tactical discipline. Even more remarkable is her ability to develop talent—turning three-star recruits into national stars and seamlessly integrating transfers into her system.
“Jennie Baranczyk is not only an elite basketball mind but a transformational leader,” said AP’s national voter Dana O’Neil. “She has sustained excellence in a way few coaches ever do—especially in today’s transfer-heavy and parity-driven climate.”
Culture First
Baranczyk’s tenure in Norman has never been solely about Xs and Os. From the outset, she made clear that building a strong, family-like culture was the top priority. Players and staff often speak of the trust, transparency, and joy that define daily life within the program.
“Coach B brings out the best in everyone,” said senior guard Aaliyah Walker. “She’s demanding but loving. She teaches us to win on the court and in life. We know who we are because she believes in who we can become.”
That culture-first approach has paid dividends. Oklahoma leads the nation in player retention over the past three years, an almost unheard-of feat in the era of the transfer portal. Players who arrive in Norman tend to stay, develop, and thrive. That continuity has laid the foundation for one of the most stable and successful stretches in program history.
Recruiting and Development
Perhaps the most underappreciated part of Baranczyk’s success has been her recruiting philosophy. Unlike some blue bloods that chase every five-star, Baranczyk builds her classes strategically—prioritizing character, system fit, and long-term growth over short-term hype.
Her 2022 and 2023 recruiting classes were ranked outside the top 10 nationally but have developed into one of the most feared units in the NCAA. Standouts like Kayla Montgomery and Jada Shields, both originally overlooked by national services, have blossomed into All-Americans under Baranczyk’s guidance.
“She sees what others miss,” said associate head coach Coquese Washington. “She’s a master at identifying the right pieces—not just talent-wise, but in terms of work ethic, leadership, and emotional intelligence.”
Baranczyk’s emphasis on development extends to her staff as well. Former assistants under her leadership have gone on to land head coaching jobs across the country, spreading her coaching tree and influence far beyond the Big 12.
Overcoming the Odds
The 2024-25 season was not without its challenges. In December, star forward Eliza Benton went down with a season-ending knee injury. Critics predicted a downward spiral, but Baranczyk adjusted her game plan, empowered younger players, and led the team to a 17-game win streak to close the regular season.
Her adaptability in times of crisis only further underscores why she has earned the AP honor yet again.
“She’s a master of reinvention,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “You can take away her top scorer, change the roster overnight, and she still finds a way to win 28, 29, or 30 games. That’s coaching in its purest form.”
A New Era of Greatness in Norman
Oklahoma has a proud women’s basketball tradition, but Baranczyk is elevating the program into uncharted territory. Under her leadership, the Sooners have returned to national prominence, filling the Lloyd Noble Center with sell-out crowds and rekindling the state’s love affair with women’s hoops.
The Sooners are now a staple in national top-five rankings, feature regularly on prime-time broadcasts, and continue to be a magnet for high-character recruits who want to win—and grow—in a championship environment.
University president Joseph Harroz Jr. called Baranczyk’s third Coach of the Year title “a landmark moment” for Oklahoma athletics.
“She is not just building a team. She is building a legacy,” Harroz said. “Jennie Baranczyk represents the very best of collegiate athletics—integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to student-athletes.”
What’s Next?
With Baranczyk under contract through 2030 and the program’s trajectory continuing upward, the Sooners show no signs of slowing down. Expectations for next season are already sky-high, as Oklahoma will return four starters, welcome a top-15 recruiting class, and potentially bring in one of the top transfers in the portal.
Baranczyk, ever humble, shifted the credit to her players and staff.
“This is not about me,” she said in a statement. “It’s about this incredible team, the belief we have in one another, and the standard we uphold every day. I’m honored, but mostly I’m just grateful—to coach these amazing women, to represent this university, and to keep building something special in Norman.”
As the AP voters have confirmed for the third year in a row, Jennie Baranczy
k is not only at the top of her game—she’s redefining it.