A Culture of Competition
Jacie Hoyt, the head coach of the Oklahoma State women's basketball program, has built her reputation on a coaching philosophy that blends rigorous fundamentals with a fast‑paced, aggressive style of play.
Her approach is deeply rooted in the lessons she learned from her mother, a high‑school coach and Hall of Famer, who introduced her to the game through hands‑on experience and a relentless work ethic.
Supported by the university’s administration, Hoyt has been able to attract key transfer talent, including Liv McGill, who arrived from Florida, and Audi Crooks, both of whom bring a winning mentality that aligns with the program’s ambitions.
McGill, despite never having appeared in the NCAA Tournament, brings a seasoned perspective and a drive to contribute immediately, while Crooks, who captured only one victory in her previous campaign, is eager to translate that experience into collegiate success.
Together, the duo forms part of a broader roster that prioritizes competition above all else, a mindset that Hoyt acknowledges can be challenging but remains central to the team’s identity.
The coach repeatedly stresses that winning is the ultimate metric, regardless of the method, and she expects her players to embrace the grind of improvement each day.
Beyond the court, the conversation also highlights the growing platform of The IX Sports Podcast, which delivers daily updates and in‑depth coverage of women’s sports, including basketball, soccer and hockey.