Oklahoma women's basketball steals high-level recruiter from SEC rival

Jennie Baranczyk sprinkled in a little love to the Oklahoma women's basketball coaching staff.

The Sooners on Wednesday announced the addition of Pauline Love as associate head coach.

"I'm incredibly honored and excited to join the Oklahoma women's basketball program," Love said in a statement. "This is a special opportunity to be part of a tradition-rich program with high standards, strong leadership and a clear vision for success. I've learned so much from the amazing coaches I've worked alongside and I'm looking forward to continuing that growth under Coach Baranczyk. I can't wait to get to Norman, meet our team and start building relationships as we work together to chase championships."

Sooners add Pauline Love to coaching staff

Love gets to OU with 13 years of coaching experience under her belt, most of which came in the SEC. She spent last season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, during which they were 24-8 and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Before she went to Alabama, Love spent seven seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. The Razorbacks signed three McDonald's All-Americans under Love's guidance and made the NCAA Tournament twice. She also had success in the transfer portal, landing Izzy Higginbottom, who led the SEC in scoring in 2024.

Three players selected in the recent 2025 WNBA Draft were recruited and coached by Love.

Love also coached at McNeese and Southern Miss, where she played.

The Sooners boasted Love as one of the best recruiters in the country. OU certainly wasn't struggling on the recruiting trail, but Love's addition will continue to take the Sooners to new levels under Baranczyk.

Last year, the Sooners brought in Raegan Beers, who was one of the top transfer portal prospects in the country from Oregon State. Beers led OU with 17.3 points a game this past season and will return for her senior campaign.

More recently, the Sooners landed Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class who Trae Young believes will be the next face of women's basketball.

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