“That’s how you do it”: OU women’s basketball’s Jennie Baranczyk breaks many records.

Jennie Baranczyk’s tenure as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team has been nothing short of transformational. Since taking over the program, Baranczyk has brought a fresh energy and a new sense of purpose to the Sooners, leading them to new heights both on and off the court. She has not only shattered expectations but also broken numerous records, cementing her place in the history of OU women’s basketball.

When Baranczyk arrived at Oklahoma in 2021, there were questions surrounding her ability to turn around a program that had been struggling to find consistent success. While Oklahoma had shown glimpses of excellence in the past, it had never been able to maintain a level of dominance in the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball. Fast forward to 2025, and the Sooners have evolved into one of the most successful and exciting teams in the country, with Baranczyk leading the way. Under her guidance, the team has broken records, made significant strides in the NCAA tournament, and has earned a reputation as one of the top programs in the nation.

In this article, we’ll explore how Jennie Baranczyk’s leadership has impacted the program, the records she’s helped break, and the lasting legacy she’s building at Oklahoma.

The Early Challenges and a Bold Vision

When Baranczyk arrived in Norman, she inherited a program that had seen both highs and lows. Oklahoma had experienced some success in the NCAA tournament in the years leading up to her hiring, but it was clear that a new vision and direction were needed to take the team to the next level. Baranczyk, who had previously coached at Drake University, brought with her a reputation for building a program from the ground up. Her success at Drake, where she transformed the Bulldogs into a powerhouse in the Missouri Valley Conference, showed that she had the skills and drive to rebuild and elevate the Sooners.

Her first few seasons at Oklahoma were filled with growing pains as she worked to implement her style of play. Baranczyk’s philosophy centered around up-tempo, high-pressure basketball, a style that emphasized ball movement, strong defense, and fast breaks. It was a departure from the more traditional, half-court offense that had been characteristic of the program in previous years. Initially, the team had to adjust to this new system, but the results were immediate.

By her second season in Norman, Baranczyk’s influence was already being felt. The Sooners not only became more competitive but also started to play with a newfound confidence. The energy around the program was palpable, as players bought into her system and culture. Baranczyk’s leadership had a profound impact on the team’s mindset, and it was evident that a winning culture was beginning to take shape.

Breaking Records: A Historic Run

It didn’t take long for Jennie Baranczyk’s influence to be felt in the record books. In just her second year as head coach, Baranczyk’s Sooners accomplished feats that were previously thought to be out of reach. The 2023-2024 season marked a breakthrough year for Oklahoma, as the Sooners not only posted their best regular-season record in years but also made a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The Sooners’ historic run during the 2024 NCAA Tournament was a culmination of years of hard work, recruiting, and player development. Baranczyk’s system finally clicked, and Oklahoma played with the type of confidence and poise needed to make a deep postseason push. The team reached the Elite Eight, a feat that had eluded the program for over a decade, and in doing so, Baranczyk became the first coach in Oklahoma women’s basketball history to guide the team that far in the tournament in less than three seasons.

One of the standout moments of the 2024 NCAA Tournament was Oklahoma’s dominant win over the Texas Longhorns in the Sweet 16. The Sooners played with a level of intensity that stunned their opponents, outpacing Texas with a combination of high-scoring offense and stifling defense. The win not only secured a place in the Elite Eight but also set the stage for the program’s continued rise under Baranczyk.

Beyond the tournament, the Sooners set several program records in 2024. Their win total reached new heights, as they finished with the most wins in a single season in Oklahoma women’s basketball history. The team also set a new record for consecutive wins, showcasing their consistency and dominance throughout the season. These milestones were a direct result of Baranczyk’s leadership and her ability to get the most out of her players.

Individual Achievements and Player Development

While the team’s success under Baranczyk was remarkable, the growth of individual players was equally impressive. Baranczyk’s emphasis on player development has been one of the cornerstones of her success at Oklahoma. Several players have flourished under her coaching, earning accolades and breaking individual records.

Perhaps the most notable example is senior guard Aaliyah Chavez, who blossomed into one of the best players in the country under Baranczyk’s tutelage. Chavez was named a First-Team All-American in 2024, becoming the first Sooner to earn such an honor since 2018. Her development as both a scorer and a playmaker was a testament to Baranczyk’s ability to help her players reach their full potential.

Another player who thrived under Baranczyk’s coaching was forward Taylor Robertson, who became the all-time leading scorer in program history during the 2024 season. Robertson’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it be from beyond the arc, attacking the basket, or hitting clutch free throws—was vital to the Sooners’ success. Under Baranczyk, Robertson’s game reached new heights, and she was a key contributor to Oklahoma’s deep tournament run.

In addition to developing established players, Baranczyk also helped to bring in top-tier recruits who fit her system. The combination of elite talent and solid player development helped the Sooners build a roster that was capable of competing with the best teams in the nation. This blend of coaching, recruiting, and player development made Oklahoma one of the most exciting teams in women’s college basketball.

The 2025 Season and the Legacy of Jennie Baranczyk

As the Sooners move into the 2025 season, the expectations are higher than ever. Baranczyk’s ability to build a team that plays with both passion and purpose has elevated Oklahoma into the national conversation. The team’s continued success will be a direct reflection of her ability to recruit, develop, and motivate players to perform at their best.

Oklahoma’s rise to prominence in women’s college basketball has made it one of the premier destinations for top recruits, and Baranczyk’s leadership has been the driving force behind that. She has fostered an environment where players can thrive both on and off the court, and the success of the program reflects her hard work and dedication.

While Baranczyk’s record-breaking achievements have already solidified her place in Oklahoma’s storied basketball history, her legacy will ultimately be defined by her ability to sustain success and continue building the program into a national powerhouse. As Oklahoma continues to compete at the highest levels, it’s clear that Baranczyk’s leadership will play a major role in determining how far the Sooners can go.

One of the hallmarks of Baranczyk’s coaching philosophy is her ability to lead with integrity, putting the development of her players at the forefront. Her players often speak highly of her ability to connect with them as people, not just as athletes. This connection has created a culture of trust and respect that permeates the program, and it is this culture that will help Oklahoma continue to succeed in the future.