Completed Event: Women's Basketball at #23 Alabama on February 15, 2026 , Win , 79, to, 71
Final
Women's Basketball
79
at #23 Alabama
71
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Women's Hoops Hosts Local Mentors
September 15, 2005 | Women's Basketball
NORMAN, Okla. -- The Oklahoma women's basketball team kicked off its annual Sooner Big Sis program on Thursday afternoon with an informal banquet for local elementary teachers and principals.
The community outreach program has been a yearly staple of the program under head coach Sherri Coale. Each of the players is matched up with a Norman-area teacher and class. Once the pairings are set, the student-athlete makes a weekly one-hour trip to the class where they assist both the teacher and the students.
“As a former high school teacher I understand the importance of an extra voice in the classroom," said Coale. “Our players are there to provide that and add to the learning experience. We hope everyone involved benefits from the experience.”
|
Eight current members of the OU team were on hand to assist in hosting the local mentors.
Cleveland Elementary second grade teacher Stephanie Abla spoke about the special relationship her classes have developed with junior Kendra Moore.
“Kendra really shines with the children,” said Abla. “She will be starting her third year with me soon and that connection remains with students that have moved up. Previous students will see her on campus and will come running to say hello.”
Abla also talked about the way that Moore has developed as a teacher and mentor.
“In the beginning Kendra was a little nervous and a bit overwhelmed, which can happen with 20 children in a room,” said Abla. “Now she comes in confident and ready to help out with anything, whether it be individually or as a group.”
Dr. Bill Pink, who is the women's basketball director of operations, oversees every aspect of the program. Pink created a Big Sis curriculum last season that includes teaching lessons and worksheets for the players to utilize in the classroom.
“It is important to us that the program be a benefit to the student-athlete, but more importantly it must be a benefit to the teacher and the class,” said Pink, who routinely communicates with the teachers.
Sooner Big Sis is just one of the numerous community services that the women's basketball team partakes in. In recent seasons they have volunteered their time to Coaches vs. Cancer, Children's Miracle Network, Special Olympics, Norman Regional Hospital, Meals on Wheels and Cleveland County Aging Services.
Last year the team was recognized by the OU athletics department for winning the inaugural Life Skills competition, which awards points for community service, team GPA and attendance to Sooner athletic events. Women's hoops beat out the women's cross country and men's tennis teams.
Jennie Baranczyk, Payton Verhulst, and Raegan Beers Postgame vs South Carolina
Saturday, March 28
Jennie Baranczyk, Sahara Williams, Aaliyah Chavez, and Raegan Beers Media Availability - 3/27/26
Friday, March 27
WBB Highlights: OU 77, Michigan State 71
Sunday, March 22
Jennie Baranczyk, Raegan Beers, and Payton Verhulst Postgame vs Michigan State
Sunday, March 22
