Sooners’s Connection to Iowa Basketball: Baranczyk’s Sentimental Game and Tribute to Jamie Cavey-Lang. The game holds sentimental value for Baranczyk, as both coaching staffs will honor her late former teammate Jamie Cavey-Lang.

Sooners’s Connection to Iowa Basketball: Baranczyk’s Sentimental Game and Tribute to Jamie Cavey-Lang.

The game holds sentimental value for Baranczyk, as both coaching staffs will honor her late former teammate Jamie Cavey-Lang.

 

In an emotional moment for the Iowa women’s basketball program, assistant coach Jan Jensen will face a familiar face on the opposing sideline in a game that holds deep sentimental significance for both teams. The upcoming matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Norman, where former Iowa player and current assistant coach, Lisa Baranczyk, now stands, is set to stir emotions as it honors the memory of Jamie Cavey-Lang, a beloved teammate who tragically passed away.

 

Baranczyk, who played for Iowa from 2006 to 2010, was recruited by none other than Jan Jensen, Iowa’s current head coach. The bond between Baranczyk and Jensen runs deep, forged during their time at Iowa, and their shared memories on the court serve as a testament to the strength of their relationship. Baranczyk’s journey with the Hawkeyes included significant contributions, particularly as a standout forward, helping to elevate the team’s competitiveness during her tenure.

 

“I owe so much to Jan Jensen for her belief in me and her guidance both on and off the court,” Baranczyk said in a statement ahead of the game. “It’s incredible to come full circle and be in this position where I get to help shape the next generation of athletes, just as she helped shape me.”

 

Now, as an assistant coach for Norman, Baranczyk is preparing for a game that is more than just a typical matchup—it’s a chance to reflect on her own growth and the lasting impact of her time at Iowa. The game also holds personal weight because it marks a poignant tribute to Jamie Cavey-Lang, a former Iowa player who tragically passed away in 2016.

 

Cavey-Lang, who played for the Hawkeyes from 2002 to 2005, was not just a teammate to Baranczyk, but a close friend. The bond the two shared on and off the court was undeniable, and Cavey-Lang’s impact on the Iowa program continues to resonate with her former teammates. Throughout her time at Iowa, Cavey-Lang was known for her tenacity, skill, and leadership, becoming one of the program’s most beloved players.

 

Both coaching staffs, including Baranczyk’s and Jensen’s, have committed to honoring Cavey-Lang’s memory during the game. The two teams plan to hold a moment of silence, reflect on her legacy, and wear commemorative gear in her honor. These gestures are not only a nod to the late athlete but also a reminder of the power of friendship and teamwork in sports, where bonds often extend far beyond the court.

 

“It’s incredibly emotional to have this game, especially when you think about Jamie,” Jensen said. “Her spirit and energy were contagious. She made everyone around her better, and she was a big part of the success we experienced at Iowa. It’s an honor to be able to pay tribute to her legacy, and to see how Lisa is now leading a team of her own, continuing that same spirit she had as a player.”

 

Baranczyk echoed Jensen’s sentiments, adding that the occasion allows her to reflect on the influence of her former teammate. “Jamie had such a big heart and she was always there for her teammates. Every day, she brought her best, and that’s something I will always carry with me.”

 

As the two teams take the floor, the game promises to be much more than a typical competition—it will be a celebration of Jamie Cavey-Lang’s enduring legacy, a moment of reflection on the bonds that form through sports, and a testament to the power of mentorship between a player and coach. The honor of the late athlete will undoubtedly be felt across both teams, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved in this emotional and meaningful matchup.