The Best in the State Play at Oklahoma: Skylar Vann Named 2024 AAU Oklahoma Jim Thorpe Athlete of the Year
August 5, 2025 — Norman, OK
In a moment of pride for the state of Oklahoma and an even bigger moment for the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball program, Sooner standout Skylar Vann has been named the 2024 AAU Oklahoma Jim Thorpe Athlete of the Year. The prestigious honor, named after one of the greatest all-around athletes in American history, is awarded annually to the top amateur athlete in the state of Oklahoma — and this year, the accolade couldn’t have gone to a more deserving or representative figure of excellence.
Vann, a Norman native, has not only risen to become one of the top players in the Big 12 and across the nation, but she’s also become a symbol of Oklahoma pride — a homegrown star who chose to stay in-state, represent her hometown university, and thrive on the national stage.
A Homegrown Star with a Champion’s Heart
Skylar Vann’s journey from a standout high school athlete at Deer Creek to becoming a foundational player for the Oklahoma Sooners has been nothing short of inspiring. Known for her relentless energy, high basketball IQ, and unshakable leadership, Vann has become a name synonymous with success, not just within women’s college basketball, but across Oklahoma’s entire athletic landscape.
Over the past few seasons, Vann has been a pivotal force for OU, helping to elevate the Sooners back into national relevance. The 6-foot forward has posted consistent double-digit scoring averages, showcased an elite rebounding ability, and emerged as one of the best two-way players in the country. Her tenacity on defense, combined with her versatility on offense, made her an irreplaceable leader on and off the court.
But perhaps just as important as her numbers has been her leadership. Teammates and coaches alike praise Vann’s commitment to excellence, her voice in the locker room, and her unselfish nature — all trademarks of an athlete worthy of bearing Jim Thorpe’s name.
The Jim Thorpe Award: A Legacy of Greatness
Presented by the Oklahoma Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the Jim Thorpe Athlete of the Year Award is named in honor of Oklahoma’s most legendary sports figure — Jim Thorpe, the Olympic gold medalist, football star, and professional baseball player who remains a towering figure in American sports history. Each year, the award is given to an amateur athlete who demonstrates not just athletic excellence, but also integrity, character, and a commitment to community.
In selecting Skylar Vann, the AAU committee cited her “superior performance as an athlete, outstanding representation of the state of Oklahoma, and her embodiment of the values the award seeks to uphold.”
“Skylar Vann is the kind of athlete Jim Thorpe would’ve admired,” said Terrence Bell, director of AAU Oklahoma. “She plays with heart, purpose, and humility. She’s an example of what’s possible when talent meets dedication.”
Sooner Nation Celebrates
The University of Oklahoma community and Sooner Nation at large have embraced the news with celebration and reflection. Head Coach Jennie Baranczyk, who has guided Vann’s development throughout her collegiate career, praised her forward as “a once-in-a-generation kind of player and person.”
“She’s the heartbeat of our program,” Baranczyk said. “What makes Skylar so special isn’t just what she does on the floor, though that’s elite — it’s how she lifts everyone around her. She’s the definition of a true Sooner.”
Fans have also taken to social media in waves to congratulate Vann, posting highlights from her stellar 2023-24 season, including her memorable 28-point performance against Texas, clutch moments during the Big 12 tournament, and her emotional post-game interviews that often focused more on team success than personal glory.
A Bright Future Beyond Norman
With the 2024 AAU Jim Thorpe Award now on her mantle, Skylar Vann’s basketball journey is far from over. She’s widely expected to declare for the WNBA Draft following her senior season and is already attracting attention from scouts across the league. Her combination of size, athleticism, and mature leadership makes her a highly desirable prospect.
Beyond professional basketball, Vann has expressed interest in coaching and mentoring young girls through the game that gave her so much. She’s been active in community outreach, hosting clinics for girls across Oklahoma and speaking at youth leadership events.
“I’ve always felt a responsibility to give back,” Vann said in an interview earlier this year. “Basketball gave me a platform, but what I do with that platform — that’s what matters most.”
A Win for Oklahoma
Skylar Vann’s selection as the 2024 AAU Jim Thorpe Athlete of the Year is more than a personal accolade — it’s a moment of pride for Oklahoma. In an era when top talent often leaves home to chase dreams elsewhere, Vann stayed rooted, invested in her community, and helped build something lasting at the University of Oklahoma.
She represents not just the best in women’s basketball, but the very best of what Oklahoma has to offer: grit, grace, excellence, and community. As the plaque bearing her name is etched into the history of the Jim Thorpe Award, one thing is clear — the best in the state really do play at Oklahoma.
Congratulations, Skylar Vann — Oklahoma’s finest.
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