Breaking: Oklahoma sooners women basketball announces the firing of coach Jennie Baranczyk to replace…. 

Breaking: Oklahoma sooners women basketball announces the firing of coach Jennie Baranczyk to replace….

 

 

 

The University of Oklahoma has announced the dismissal of head women’s basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk, effective immediately. This decision comes after a season marked by inconsistent performance and unmet expectations.

 

Coaching Career and Achievements

 

Jennie Baranczyk was appointed as the ninth head coach of the Oklahoma women’s basketball program on April 10, 2021, succeeding Sherri Coale. Prior to her tenure at Oklahoma, Baranczyk spent nine successful seasons at Drake University, compiling a 192-96 record, including six consecutive 20-win seasons and three NCAA Tournament appearance.

 

In her first season with the Sooners (2021-22), Baranczyk led the team to a 23-9 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The following season (2022-23), Oklahoma achieved a 26-7 record, securing the Big 12 Conference regular-season championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Baranczyk’s leadership earned her the Big 12 Coach of the Year award in 2024.

 

Recent Performance and Decision to Part Ways

 

Despite these accomplishments, the 2024-25 season has been challenging for the Sooners. The team has struggled with consistency, leading to a series of disappointing losses. The university’s athletic department conducted a thorough review of the program’s performance and determined that a change in leadership was necessary to realign the team’s trajectory.

 

Statement from Athletic Director

 

Joe Castiglione, the University of Oklahoma’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed gratitude for Baranczyk’s contributions:

 

“We appreciate Jennie’s dedication and the passion she brought to our women’s basketball program. Her leadership has been instrumental in several of our recent successes. However, after careful consideration, we believe that a change in direction is in the best interest of the program.”

 

Looking Ahead

 

The university has initiated a national search for a new head coach, aiming to find a leader who can build upon the program’s rich history and recent successes. In the interim, assistant coach [Interim Coach Name] will assume head coaching responsibilities.

 

The Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team remains committed to excellence and is focused on a successful conclusion to the current season. The university is confident that this transition will position the program for future success.

 

About the University of Oklahoma

 

The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, Oklahoma, is a public research university and a member of the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners’ women’s basketball program has a storied history, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships.