After Watching Jacie Hoyt Mic'd Up, It's Easy to See Why Players Want to Play for Her

Sometimes a coach's record tells you everything you need to know.

Other times, a microphone does.

Oklahoma State women's basketball recently released footage of Jacie Hoyt mic'd up during practice, and while there were plenty of funny moments throughout the video, one thing stood out above everything else.

The energy never stopped.

From the first drill to the final huddle, Hoyt was constantly coaching, encouraging and teaching.

There wasn't much standing around.

There wasn't much negativity.

There was simply a coach fully invested in her team.

After watching it, it's easy to understand why players continue choosing Oklahoma State.

Perhaps the best moment came at the end of practice.

Gathering the team together, Hoyt delivered a message that seemed to perfectly summarize the culture she's building in Stillwater.

"Number one, we outwork. Number two, we work together. Because the talent in this circle doesn't mean anything if we can't do those two things. If we do those two things every day, it's going to be a fun ass season."

It's a simple message and a powerful one.

Because Hoyt didn't talk about rankings.

She didn't talk about star ratings.

She didn't talk about expectations.

She talked about work.

And she talked about team chemistry.

That's noteworthy considering the amount of talent now on Oklahoma State's roster.

The Cowgirls have assembled the nation's best transfer class this offseason, highlighted by Iowa State star Audi Crooks and several other impact additions.

Yet even with all that talent, Hoyt's message remained the same.

Talent alone isn't enough.

The funny moments throughout practice only reinforced that culture.

At one point, Hoyt referenced Goldilocks and the Three Bears while discussing passing.

Crooks attempted to help tell the story.

"You're close," Hoyt joked. "I think you butchered the story."

The exchange drew laughs, but it also revealed something important.

Players seemed comfortable.

Engaged.

Connected.

That's not always easy to create in an era where rosters change every offseason.

Earlier this week, Crooks shared a story about Hoyt showing her a lowlight reel during the recruiting process rather than a highlight tape.

At the time, it demonstrated honesty.

This video demonstrated something else.

Authenticity.

Jacie Hoyt doesn't appear to be trying to impress her players.

She appears to be investing in them.

 After watching the way she coaches, teaches and connects with her team, it's easy to understand why some of the best players in the country are buying into what she's building.

The roster may be loaded with talent.

But if Hoyt is right, that won't be what determines how far the Cowgirls go.

The work and the chemistry will.

Judging by the energy inside that practice gym, Oklahoma State appears to have plenty of both.