The Oklahoma women’s basketball team has captured significant attention as it prepares for its first season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In the SEC preseason media poll announced on Monday, the Sooners were predicted to finish fourth—a testament to their growing reputation. This projection is bolstered by the inclusion of two Oklahoma players in the preseason All-SEC teams.
Preseason All-SEC Honorees
All-American center Raegan Beers was named to the preseason All-SEC First Team while reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Skylar Vann secured a spot on the Second Team. The Sooners’ fourth-place prediction places them behind only national powerhouses South Carolina, Texas, and LSU, with Ole Miss close behind in fifth.
Experience and Leadership Define the Sooners
Under the leadership of head coach Jennie Baranczyk, now in her fourth year, Oklahoma aims to make a lasting impression in its SEC debut. The Sooners bring back a staggering 98% of their scoring from last season’s Big 12 championship team, including standout contributors like Vann and Payton Verhulst, the 2024 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
The Sooners retain all five starters from last season, with graduate player Kennady Tucker being the sole departure. With over 700 combined career games played across the roster, Oklahoma boasts one of the most experienced teams in the nation. Their readiness is further reflected in their No. 12 ranking in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.
The Oklahoma women’s basketball team (image via Getty)Beers and Vann Lead the Way
Oklahoma’s two preseason All-SEC honorees tie them with Texas for the third-most selections in the league, trailing only South Carolina and LSU, who each secured three spots.
Raegan Beers, a two-time All-Pac-12 selection from Oregon State, has solidified her reputation as a dominant center. The Littleton, Colorado native is the only center named to the SEC’s preseason first team. After transferring to Oklahoma, she was ranked as the nation’s top addition by The Athletic and 247 Sports, thanks to her stellar performance last season, where she averaged 17.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
Skylar Vann, named to the preseason All-SEC Second Team, continues to shine after earning Co-Big 12 Player of the Year honors in 2024. Vann posted career-best averages last season, including 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, earning her an honorable mention on the AP All-America team. She is determined to guide Oklahoma to its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.
Season Preview and Upcoming Games
The Sooners are set to begin their season with a free exhibition game against Oklahoma Christian on October 29 at Lloyd Noble Center. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on SEC Network+. Their regular-season opener is scheduled for November 4 at 5 p.m. against Southern in Norman.
In addition to the early games, Vann, Verhulst, and coach Baranczyk will represent Oklahoma at SEC Tipoff ’25 in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday. Fans can catch live coverage of the event on SEC Network.
Get Your Tickets
Season tickets for the 2024-25 campaign are available now, priced at $75 for seniors and youth, and $99 for the general public. Flexible ticket packages and mini-plans can also be purchased online.
With a combination of seasoned leadership, star players, and high expectations, Oklahoma women’s basketball is set to make waves in the SEC this season.
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