Oklahoma HC Jenny Baranczyk Rants About Attendance for WVU Women’s Basketball Games

It’s not often an opposing coach takes the time to pound the table in support of the team they just lost to, but that’s exactly what happened after the WVU women’s basketball team defeated Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon.

Oklahoma head coach Jennie Baranczyk made sure West Virginia fans know she’s unhappy with the attendance for WVU women’s basketball games. “This is my third time here. This is the best crowd that they’ve had. They need to have a good crowd. This is a very good basketball team. People need to show up and not because today was their pink game. They need to show up every game,” said a passionate Baranczyk.

Video of this rant was then posted on X (Twitter) by WVU head coach Mark Kellogg’s wife Trisha, who then added her own thoughts on the matter. “Even OU Coach Jennie Baranczyk sees the value of fans supporting @WVUWBB! Let’s show the country we can bring the fans, WEST VIRGINIA!! Come out on Saturday and watch incredible basketball vs Baylor!,” said Mrs. Kellogg. 

Even OU Coach Jennie Baranczyk sees the value of fans supporting @WVUWBB! Let’s show the country we can bring the fans, WEST VIRGINIA!! Come out on Saturday and watch incredible basketball vs Baylor! 🔥🏀 pic.twitter.com/I5Xbinuoe7

— Trisha Kellogg (@KelloggTrisha) February 18, 2024

Fair or not, the attendance for women’s games often falls significantly shy of who shows to men’s games at most programs throughout the country. It’s also fair to note, the WVU men’s program has a much richer history of success than does the women’s program.

The men’s program has 31 NCAA Tournament appearances, 13 conference tournament championships, 11 Sweet 16’s, three Elite Eights, two Final Fours, a claim to a national championship. Legendary figures like Jerry West, “Hot Rod” Hudley and even Bob Huggins are members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

This is all in contrast to the women’s program’s only owning 14 total NCAA Tournament appearances, two conference tournament titles and only advancing as far as the Sweet 16 once (1992).

But while the men’s team is in the midst of the program’s worst season in 20 years, this year’s WVU women’s basketball team moved to 22-3 (11-3) on the season following the comeback win over the Sooners. That definitely lends credence to Baranczyk’s comments. The WVU women’s team does deserve support from Mountaineer Nation as they continue to embark on one of the best seasons in program history.

The next WVU women’s basketball home game is Feb. 24 at 2 pm against Baylor.