Oklahoma head women’s basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk announced the addition of Pauline Love as associate head coach on Thursday. A 13-year coaching veteran and one of the nation’s top recruiters, Love brings extensive experience and a proven track record of player development to Norman.
Love arrives at Oklahoma following eight seasons in the Southeastern Conference including stints at Arkansas (2017–24) and Alabama (2024–25). She helped guide both programs to a combined three NCAA Tournament appearances and coached three players selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Pauline to the OU family,” said Baranczyk. “She brings tremendous experience from nearly a decade in the SEC, has a remarkable track record of developing elite talent and is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country. What makes her truly special though is her ability to connect with student-athletes, staff and everyone around her. Pauline’s passion for people and the game will elevate our program and we can’t wait to get started with her here in Norman.”
In her lone season at Alabama, Love helped the Crimson Tide post a 24–8 record and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for just the third time since 2000. Serving as the program’s recruiting coordinator under longtime head coach Kristy Curry, Love helped Alabama land four top-100 signees in the 2025 class and coached two WBCA All-Americans in Sarah Ashlee Barker and Aaliyah Nye.
Prior to her time at Alabama, Love spent seven seasons under head coach Mike Neighbors at Arkansas. As an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, she helped lead the Razorbacks to two NCAA Tournament appearances and signed three McDonald’s All-Americans. She also played a key role in landing Izzy Higginbottom from the transfer portal; Higginbottom went on to lead the SEC in scoring in 2024. During her time in Fayetteville, seven Razorbacks earned a combined 12 All-SEC honors.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the Oklahoma women’s basketball program,” Love said. “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.”
A native of Luxora, Ark., Love began her coaching career with stints at McNeese State (2012–13) and Southern Miss (2013–17) where she also played her final three collegiate seasons. A standout forward, Love began her playing career at Jones College before transferring to Southern Miss, where she ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in scoring average, rebounding average, field goals made and minutes played. She was a three-time first-team All-Conference USA selection and played one season with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
Love has been inducted into three halls of fame: the Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame, the Jones College Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame.
