In a feat rarely witnessed in the annals of college basketball, Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball head coach Jennie Baranczyk has been named the Associated Press Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. This remarkable achievement not only solidifies her place among the elite in coaching circles but also reaffirms the dominance of a program she has meticulously rebuilt and redefined since arriving in Norman.
Baranczyk’s third straight win places her in rarefied air. To consistently earn the respect and recognition of the national media over such a stretch speaks volumes to both her strategic brilliance and the culture of excellence she’s instilled at Oklahoma. While the landscape of women’s college basketball has been marked by dynasties and legendary figures, Baranczyk’s sustained excellence in an increasingly competitive environment is a testament to her vision, adaptability, and relentless commitment to her players.
When Jennie Baranczyk took over the reins of the Sooners in 2021, the program was in transition. Once a perennial powerhouse under Sherri Coale, Oklahoma had struggled to reclaim its place among the top-tier programs in the country. Baranczyk, a former Iowa standout and head coach at Drake University, was tasked with breathing new life into the Sooners while navigating the demands of a fiercely competitive Big 12 conference. Her impact was immediate. In her first season, Oklahoma surged back into the national conversation, playing with a pace and poise that quickly became her signature.
But it was in her second year that Baranczyk began crafting a legacy. Not only did the Sooners rack up wins, but they did so with a style that was both entertaining and effective. Her teams moved the ball with surgical precision, shared scoring responsibilities selflessly, and played defense with grit and cohesion. That year, she earned her first AP Coach of the Year honor, edging out some of the most respected names in the game. Critics hailed her tactical acumen and her ability to maximize the talents of every player on her roster.
Her third campaign only strengthened the case. The 2024-25 season was, by every measure, her most impressive yet. The Sooners battled through injuries, a top-heavy conference schedule, and a national slate that tested their depth and resilience. Through it all, they remained poised and focused, guided by Baranczyk’s steady leadership and empowering philosophy. Oklahoma not only finished at the top of the Big 12 standings but also secured a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, continuing their tradition of postseason excellence under Baranczyk’s tenure.
A defining trait of Baranczyk’s coaching style is her player development. While many top programs rely heavily on star recruits, Baranczyk has demonstrated a unique ability to cultivate talent over time. She’s taken overlooked players and turned them into All-Americans. Her practices are known to be intense yet uplifting, with an emphasis on communication, teamwork, and constant growth. Former players often speak glowingly of their time under her tutelage, crediting her for not just improving their basketball IQ but also helping them grow as individuals.
What’s more, Baranczyk has built a program culture that transcends the court. Her emphasis on academic success, mental wellness, and community engagement has made Oklahoma a destination for well-rounded student-athletes. Recruits and their families frequently cite her authenticity and holistic approach as major factors in choosing the Sooners. In an era where the transfer portal and NIL deals have changed the college basketball landscape dramatically, Baranczyk has maintained a sense of continuity and unity within her program. That stability has paid off with wins, accolades, and now, a third straight AP Coach of the Year award.
The national media has taken notice, and deservedly so. Throughout the season, Baranczyk’s name was a fixture in weekly coach rankings and power polls. Her team’s efficiency metrics, from offensive rating to turnover ratio, consistently ranked among the best in the country. Analysts praised her game plans, particularly her adjustments in high-stakes games and her ability to out-coach veteran opponents. One of the defining moments of the season came in a late February road win against a top-five Baylor squad, where Oklahoma overcame a double-digit deficit with a masterclass in in-game strategy and execution. That win not only sealed the regular season title but also symbolized Baranczyk’s command of the moment.
Perhaps what makes her three-peat even more impressive is the context in which it occurred. Women’s college basketball has entered a golden age of parity. With more talent spread across more programs than ever before, staying on top is an increasingly daunting challenge. The influx of high-level freshmen, international talent, and seasoned transfers has raised the bar across the board. Yet Baranczyk has managed to stay one step ahead, consistently evolving her system to fit her personnel while maintaining the foundational principles that define Oklahoma basketball.
This year’s AP voting wasn’t even particularly close. Baranczyk garnered the overwhelming majority of first-place votes, a reflection of the respect she commands among her peers and the media alike. Even among a crowded field that included names like Dawn Staley, Lisa Bluder, and Kim Mulkey, Baranczyk stood tall. Each coach brought something special to the table this season, but it was Baranczyk’s consistency, composure, and championship-caliber leadership that swayed voters in her direction once again.
Beyond the accolades and press conferences, however, Baranczyk remains grounded. Known for her humility and team-first mentality, she deflects praise and regularly credits her staff, players, and the university for their shared success. In her remarks following the announcement, Baranczyk emphasized the collective nature of the award. “This is about our team, our program, and the incredible people I get to work with every single day,” she said. “I’m honored and grateful, but most of all, I’m proud of what we’re building together at Oklahoma.”
That sense of unity and shared purpose has been a hallmark of the Sooners under Baranczyk. Her assistant coaching staff, many of whom have been with her since her Drake days, operate with a level of cohesion that mirrors the players on the court. The program’s support staff, from trainers to academic advisors, also contribute to an environment where excellence is expected and supported at every level. It’s no wonder that Oklahoma continues to attract top-tier recruits who are eager to be part of something special.
Looking ahead, the future remains bright for Baranczyk and the Sooners. With a top-five recruiting class incoming and a core group of returning players, expectations will once again be sky-high in Norman. But if the past three years have proven anything, it’s that Jennie Baranczyk is more than capable of meeting – and exceeding – those expectations. Her fingerprints are all over this resurgence, and her influence is shaping not just the trajectory of Oklahoma basketball, but the broader narrative of the women’s game.
There’s also a growing conversation about her potential role at the next level. With the WNBA and even international programs taking notice, some have speculated that Baranczyk’s future might include a foray into professional coaching. But for now, she remains firmly planted in Norman, focused on the mission she began just a few seasons ago: returning Oklahoma to national prominence and building a sustainable culture of excellence. If the last three years are any indication, she’s already succeeded – and then some.
Jennie Baranczyk’s third straight AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year honor is more than just a personal milestone. It’s a celebration of a program reborn, a tribute to leadership done the right way, and a reminder that in the ever-changing world of college athletics, greatness built on integrity, innovation, and heart still rises to the top.