In a sudden and stunning twist that has reshaped the landscape of women’s college basketball, Jennie Baranczyk has officially stepped down as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners to accept the head coaching position at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). The move, which shocked Sooner Nation and reverberated throughout the Big 12, has prompted an equally surprising counter-move: the return of a former Oklahoma head coach to lead the program into a new era.
This marks a pivotal moment for Oklahoma women’s basketball as the program enters a transitional phase filled with nostalgia, renewed purpose, and a passionate determination to reclaim national prominence. Here’s how this seismic shift unfolded, what it means for both programs, and why Sooner fans have reason to believe that brighter days are still ahead.
A Sudden Departure: Baranczyk’s New Path
Jennie Baranczyk, who had helmed the Oklahoma Sooners since 2021, made an emotional exit from Norman following a three-year tenure that saw revitalization and high-energy basketball return to Lloyd Noble Center. Under her leadership, the Sooners posted multiple 20-win seasons and advanced in the NCAA Tournament, regaining national relevance after a lull period post-Sherri Coale.
Baranczyk’s style emphasized offensive fluidity, ball movement, and player development—elements that rejuvenated the program’s identity. Her recruiting acumen brought in elite talent from the Midwest and beyond, including five-star recruits and high-impact transfers.
However, Baranczyk’s unexpected decision to leave Oklahoma for UTA left many fans and analysts puzzled. While UTA is not a traditional women’s basketball power, sources close to the situation suggest several motivating factors:
- Geographic Preference: Baranczyk, an Iowa native, has long spoken about her affinity for building programs in underdog environments. UTA offers that grassroots opportunity in a region rich with untapped talent.
- Administrative Freedom: Insiders note Baranczyk sought more autonomy in program decisions—something UTA guaranteed her in contract negotiations.
- Family Considerations: With her children approaching school-age, proximity to family in neighboring states may have played a role.
Regardless of the reasoning, the move left Oklahoma scrambling just as the offseason transfer portal and recruiting cycles hit their peak.
The Shockwave in Norman
Baranczyk’s departure sent the Oklahoma athletic department into immediate damage control. Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, known for his decisive and visionary hires, immediately launched a nationwide search.
While speculation swirled around up-and-coming mid-major coaches and assistants from powerhouse programs, Castiglione instead made a bold—and familiar—decision: bringing back a legend.
Sherri Coale, who led the Sooners from 1996 until her retirement in 2021, will not be returning to the bench. However, her coaching tree remains rich with possibilities, and one of its strongest branches is now returning home.
Welcome Back: Stacy Hansmeyer Returns to Lead the Sooners
In a full-circle moment, Stacy Hansmeyer, a former Oklahoma assistant and longtime protégé of Coale, is returning to Norman to take the reins of the program.
Hansmeyer, who played her college ball under Geno Auriemma at UConn and coached alongside Coale for 12 seasons, has spent the past four years as the head coach of Tulsa. There, she orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent American Athletic Conference history. Under her leadership, Tulsa went from a sub-.500 team to an AAC contender, noted for its defensive discipline and well-coached guards.
Her familiarity with Oklahoma, deep recruiting roots in the region, and connection to the program’s golden years made her an ideal candidate to stabilize the program and sustain the positive momentum.
The Hansmeyer Vision: Return to Fundamentals, Reconnect with Culture
At her introductory press conference, Hansmeyer exuded gratitude and purpose.
“This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Oklahoma women’s basketball shaped who I am. Now, I get to shape the next generation,” Hansmeyer said, eyes gleaming with emotion.
She laid out a four-point plan for the Sooners’ revival:
- Culture First: Reestablish the family-oriented, accountable, and empowering environment that defined the Coale era.
- Regional Recruiting: Dominate recruiting battles in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas while exploring select national targets.
- Player Development: Emphasize fundamental skills—footwork, shooting form, and basketball IQ—with a new staff that includes former pro players and respected skill trainers.
- Community Engagement: Reignite local fan passion through youth camps, NIL partnerships, and strategic social media engagement.
Early reactions from players and boosters have been overwhelmingly positive. Several current Sooners, including rising sophomore guard Kyla Horton and junior forward Trinity Langston, have publicly voiced support for Hansmeyer’s hiring and have withdrawn from the transfer portal.
The Immediate Challenge: Retaining the Roster and Transfer Targets
Hansmeyer inherits a talented yet unsettled roster. With Baranczyk’s exit, several players entered the transfer portal, including:
- Sienna Foster (G) – a high-scoring freshman looking at midwestern schools.
- Amaya Brown (G/F) – a versatile defender with multiple Power Five offers.
Hansmeyer’s top priority in week one is conducting individual meetings with each player and their families. Retention of core veterans like guard Nevaeh Tot and forward Liz Scott is critical if Oklahoma is to remain competitive in the Big 12 next season.
Additionally, the Sooners had been in the mix for multiple portal targets, including All-MAC center Natalie Chandler and SEC sharpshooter Aubrey Sellers. Hansmeyer’s personal connection to Sellers—whom she recruited while at Tulsa—could keep Oklahoma in the running.
Big 12 Outlook: New Faces, New Stakes
The Big 12 landscape is evolving rapidly. With Texas and Oklahoma set to join the SEC in 2025, this upcoming season will be the final chapter of the Sooners’ storied Big 12 journey.
Hansmeyer emphasized the significance of the moment:
“We owe it to this conference, to our fans, and to our history to finish this chapter with pride and excellence.”
This year’s Big 12 is expected to be fiercely competitive. Baylor, Kansas State, and Iowa State all return key starters, while UCF and BYU are on the rise. The Sooners’ chances hinge largely on how quickly Hansmeyer can reestablish chemistry and implement her system.
A Look Back at Baranczyk’s Legacy
Though her time in Norman was brief, Jennie Baranczyk leaves a legacy worth honoring. Her 65-30 overall record included multiple wins over ranked opponents and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Perhaps most importantly, she rekindled belief in the program after several down years.
Players under her tutelage often spoke of her compassion and empowerment.
“Coach B made me believe I belonged on this level,” said senior Madi Williams last year. “She changed lives, not just basketball careers.”
Baranczyk’s time at UTA will likely offer her more control and a slower-paced rebuild. If successful, she could bring unprecedented success to a program often overshadowed in the state of Texas.
What This Means for UTA
UTA pulled off a coup in landing Baranczyk. The hire signals a massive investment in women’s sports, and the athletic department has already pledged upgraded facilities, expanded recruiting budgets, and increased NIL support.
Baranczyk’s immediate goal will be improving a Mavericks team that finished 11-20 last season. Sources say she has already reached out to several Oklahoma reserves about following her to Arlington.
Don’t be surprised if UTA becomes a mid-major darling over the next three years, much like Florida Gulf Coast or South Dakota State.
Final Thoughts: Legacy, Loyalty, and the Next Chapter
Change is always a complex force in college athletics. For Oklahoma fans, this latest twist comes with both heartbreak and hope. Losing Baranczyk hurts—but the return of Stacy Hansmeyer offers comfort rooted in tradition and a belief in the foundational values that built the program’s golden years.
The 2025-26 season will be a defining one. With one foot in the Big 12 and one in the SEC, the Sooners now have a unique opportunity: to close one chapter with honor and open another with ambition.
Sooner Nation may not have seen this coming, but they now have something to rally around once more: legacy, loyalty, and a leader who truly understands what it means to wear crimson and cream.