Audi Crooks' Story Reveals Why Players Are Trusting Jacie Hoyt

Recruiting visits are usually filled with highlights.

Future stars.

Championship banners.

Plenty of reasons why a prospect should feel good about themselves.

Apparently, that's not how Jacie Hoyt does things.

Speaking at a press conference, Iowa State star transfer Audi Crooks recalled one of the more memorable moments from her recruitment by Oklahoma State.

Hoyt didn't show her a highlight reel.

She showed her a lowlight reel.

"Man, that's really gutsy of you to sit here and show me everything that I'm doing wrong, but I really appreciate that," Crooks said.

That one story says a lot about why players around the country have so much respect for the Oklahoma State coach.

Because recruiting isn't always about telling players what they want to hear.

Sometimes it's about telling them what they need to hear.

Many coaches might be afraid to point out weaknesses during a recruiting visit.

After all, why risk offending one of the nation's top players?

Hoyt took the opposite approach.

She chose honesty.

And while that approach may not work for every player, it clearly left an impression on Crooks.

Perhaps that's because great players aren't looking for flattery.

They're looking for growth.

They want coaches who can make them better.

And that's exactly what Hoyt was selling.

Not promises.

Not empty praise.

Improvement.

In today's transfer portal era, where relationships and trust matter more than ever, stories like this help explain why Oklahoma State continues to attract talent.

Players know where they stand.

They know they'll be coached hard.

And most importantly, they know the feedback they're receiving is genuine.

Because showing a recruit a lowlight reel takes confidence.

It takes honesty and even a little courage.

But if Audi Crooks' reaction is any indication, it also builds trust.

In college athletics, trust may be the most valuable recruiting tool of all.

Maybe that's why Jacie Hoyt continues to win.

She's not trying to impress players.

She's trying to develop them.

That's not surprising considering the caliber of talent Hoyt is bringing to Stillwater.

Crooks headlines what many consider one of the nation's top transfer classes, a group assembled with the expectation of competing for Big 12 championships and making deep NCAA Tournament runs.

Talent may bring players to a program.

But culture and trust are what convince them to stay.

And if the newest group of Cowgirls is any indication, Jacie Hoyt's approach is resonating with some of the best players in the country.

That's a scary thought for the rest of the Big 12.