Jennie Baranczyk, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team, has been named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season, solidifying her status as one of the premier coaches in college basketball. This remarkable achievement underscores her exceptional leadership and the sustained success of the Sooners under her guidance.
A Record of Excellence
Since taking the helm in April 2021, Baranczyk has transformed the Oklahoma women’s basketball program. In her first three seasons, she led the team to a 74-26 record, marking the best three-year start in the program’s history citeturn0search1. Her tenure includes three consecutive seasons with 23 or more wins and two Big 12 regular-season titles. In 2024, she was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year after guiding the Sooners to a 15-3 league record and an outright conference title—the program’s first since 2009 citeturn0search2.
Under Baranczyk’s leadership, the Sooners have consistently been a force in the NCAA Tournament, earning top seeds and advancing to the Sweet 16. In 2025, they secured a No. 3 seed and achieved victories over Florida Gulf Coast and Iowa before facing UConn in the Sweet 16 citeturn0search5.
A Coaching Philosophy That Resonates
Baranczyk’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a fast-paced, team-oriented style of play. She has instilled a system that prioritizes spacing, movement, passing, and making reads on the floor, allowing her players to showcase their skills and basketball IQ citeturn0search7. This approach has not only led to on-court success but has also fostered a culture of trust and accountability within the team.
### Recognition and Impact
Beyond the AP Coach of the Year honors, Baranczyk’s impact on the program is evident in the development of her players. Under her tutelage, numerous athletes have earned All-Big 12 honors, with standout performances in both conference play and national tournaments. Her ability to recruit and develop talent has been instrumental in elevating the program to national prominence.
In summary, Jennie Baranczyk’s third consecutive AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year award is a testament to her exceptional coaching acumen, leadership, and the sustained success of the Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball program. Her vision and dedication continue to inspire her players and set a high standard for excellence in college basketball.
