In an unprecedented achievement that cements her status as one of the most dominant and visionary coaches in women’s college basketball, Jennie Baranczyk, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, has been named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. The news sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball world, as Baranczyk joined the rarefied air of coaching legends by accomplishing a feat that underscores her elite coaching acumen, player development expertise, and unyielding commitment to excellence.
This latest honor caps off a remarkable year for Baranczyk and the Sooners, who have evolved from a Big 12 contender into a national powerhouse under her guidance. While accolades and awards have become familiar territory for Baranczyk in Norman, her third straight AP Coach of the Year award marks a defining moment—not just for her career, but for the entire Oklahoma women’s basketball program.
A Historic Three-Peat
Jennie Baranczyk’s third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is more than just a trophy; it’s a legacy-defining milestone. Very few coaches in any sport have dominated the national landscape to the extent that Baranczyk has over the past three years. She joins an exclusive club, alongside icons like Geno Auriemma, Pat Summitt, and Dawn Staley, who have consistently set the gold standard for women’s college basketball.
Baranczyk’s latest selection by the AP voters came with strong support from media representatives across the country, who pointed to her consistent ability to adapt, motivate, and outmaneuver the toughest competition in the sport. Her work this past season, in particular, highlighted her exceptional ability to maintain peak performance amidst roster changes, injuries, and the ever-evolving competitive landscape of women’s hoops.
Turning Oklahoma Into a Juggernaut
When Jennie Baranczyk was hired in April 2021 to lead the Sooners program, she inherited a proud but inconsistent team that had struggled to keep pace in the upper tier of the Big 12. Fast forward to 2025, and the Sooners have become a perennial national title threat, earning consecutive NCAA Tournament No. 1 seeds and reaching the Final Four in back-to-back seasons.
This year, Oklahoma finished with an astounding 33-2 record, winning both the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships. Their aggressive pace, smart defensive sets, and balanced scoring attack made them one of the most difficult teams to scout and defeat. What stood out the most was how the Sooners navigated adversity—including mid-season injuries to key players and the pressure of being preseason favorites—while continuing to win with poise and passion.
A Mastermind of Player Development
Baranczyk’s greatest strength may well be her ability to bring out the best in her players. During her tenure in Norman, she has developed a reputation for taking talented but raw athletes and transforming them into all-conference and All-American players. Under her tutelage, stars like Skylar Vann, Payton Verhulst, and Nevaeh Tot have blossomed into some of the most recognizable names in college basketball.
Skylar Vann, a senior leader and cornerstone of the Sooners’ frontcourt, described Baranczyk’s impact best:
“Coach B doesn’t just coach the game. She teaches us how to think the game, how to compete with joy, and how to grow into our potential—not just as athletes, but as people.”
That culture of development and belief has become the foundation of Oklahoma’s rise. Recruits now see Oklahoma as a destination for reaching the next level, both collegiately and professionally. WNBA scouts frequently make stops in Norman, and the Sooners are now producing professional talent at a rate reminiscent of the sport’s blue-blood programs.
Off-Court Leadership and Culture
Jennie Baranczyk’s influence extends far beyond the hardwood. Known for her fierce advocacy for women in sports and her emphasis on community engagement, she has become a beloved figure both on campus and across the state of Oklahoma. Players credit her with fostering a culture of openness, accountability, and empowerment.
The Sooners’ locker room is a space of mutual respect and high expectations, where every player has a voice. Practices are often filled with laughter, but also laced with intensity. Baranczyk has struck the rare balance between demanding greatness and creating a positive, empowering environment.
One of the major initiatives Baranczyk launched this season was the “More Than a Game” program—a weekly speaker series where former athletes, industry professionals, and mentors come in to speak to the team about leadership, personal growth, and life beyond basketball. The initiative has not only prepared her players for life after sports but also forged a deeper bond within the team.
Tactical Brilliance: Reinventing the Game
Baranczyk’s coaching style has been widely praised for its innovation. Offensively, the Sooners run a dynamic, up-tempo system predicated on ball movement, spacing, and unselfish play. It’s a modern approach that mirrors the evolution of the professional game, and it’s helped Oklahoma become one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation for three consecutive seasons.
Defensively, the Sooners toggle between aggressive man-to-man principles and well-disguised matchup zones, keeping opponents constantly guessing. Her ability to make in-game adjustments has become a nightmare for opposing coaches, particularly in high-stakes matchups.
This season alone, Oklahoma ranked in the top 10 nationally in offensive efficiency, assist-to-turnover ratio, and scoring margin. They dominated in transition and consistently wore down opponents with their depth and conditioning—attributes directly tied to Baranczyk’s strategic vision and coaching discipline.
A Beacon for Women in Coaching
Baranczyk’s success has also amplified the conversation about women in coaching leadership roles. As one of the few female head coaches to earn national honors three years running, her visibility and success are inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in coaching, athletic administration, and sports leadership.
She’s frequently invited to speak at coaching clinics, leadership summits, and industry panels. Her message is consistent: women belong in sports, not just on the court, but on the sidelines, in the boardroom, and behind the strategy.
In a post-award press conference, Baranczyk emphasized her responsibility as a trailblazer:
“When I first started in this profession, I didn’t see many people who looked like me in these roles. I take seriously the opportunity to lead, to lift up others, and to show that success doesn’t require sacrificing who you are.”
Looking Ahead: A Dynasty in the Making?
As Baranczyk looks toward the 2025–26 season, the expectations are even higher. With several key players set to return and another top-10 recruiting class arriving on campus this summer, the Sooners are poised to remain among the elite programs in the nation. More importantly, they’re doing it the right way—building a culture that prioritizes development, unity, and a joy for the game.
Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has already stated that Baranczyk has his “full confidence and support” for the foreseeable future, and discussions about a contract extension and potential program investments (including facility upgrades) are reportedly underway.
Given her record, it wouldn’t be surprising if Baranczyk is mentioned in conversations about coaching Team USA in the future or taking on advisory roles within the NCAA or the WNBA. But for now, she remains firmly committed to her players and to elevating the Sooners’ program even further.
The Verdict: Legacy Sealed, Chapters Still to Write
Jennie Baranczyk’s third consecutive AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year award is more than a recognition of wins and trophies. It is an acknowledgment of a sustained culture of excellence. It is a tribute to her belief in her players, her pioneering work in the sport, and her relentless pursuit of greatness.
With her trademark passion, poise, and power, Baranczyk has transformed Oklahoma into a beacon of women’s basketball. The question is no longer whether she belongs in the conversation of greats—it’s how far she’ll go from here.
Because if the past three seasons are any indication, the Baranczyk Era is just getting started.