“This is home to me.” Jacie Hoyt's new Oklahoma State contract is about more than basketball. With her family rooted in Stillwater, increased donor investment and a loaded roster, Hoyt remains focused on her original goal: building something at OSU that's never been done.
STILLWATER — For Jacie Hoyt, a contract extension through the 2030-31 season represents more than additional years coaching Oklahoma State women's basketball.
It represents the place her family calls home.
"This is home to me," Hoyt said.
Oklahoma State announced Hoyt's extension Monday after a four-year run that has included 84 victories, three NCAA Tournament appearances and 49 wins over the past two seasons.
But when Hoyt discussed what the extension meant to her, she didn't begin with any of those numbers. She talked about her family.
"I get to work with my husband here," Hoyt said. "I have a daughter that I get to bring around and has literally grown up from 10 days old being a Cowgirl and a part of this community and this fan base."
Her husband, Daniel Heflin, works in the Oklahoma State athletic department, while their daughter, Harlow, has spent practically her entire life around the program.
Hoyt also pointed toward the donors and supporters who have invested in her vision.
"I'm the type of person that if I feel like you're for me, I'm gonna run through a wall for you," Hoyt said. "And I feel that here."
Now, she wants to repay that investment by taking Oklahoma State somewhere it hasn't been.
"I've said from day one I want to do something here that's never been done," Hoyt said. "I want to build this thing to be, you know, just a final destination for the greatest players in the country."
This offseason offered perhaps the clearest indication yet that Oklahoma State is moving toward that goal.
The Cowgirls assembled the nation's No. 1-ranked transfer class, bringing former Iowa State star Audi Crooks, former Florida guard Liv McGill and others to Stillwater while retaining three-time All-Big 12 performer Stailee Heard. Hoyt acknowledged that kind of roster construction requires resources.
"I've had big-time donors step up and have my back, and I would not be in the position that I'm in without them," Hoyt said. "One huge one in particular."
Hoyt sees that investment as part of a larger shift across women's basketball. As viewership and revenue opportunities have increased nationally, she believes Oklahoma State has supporters who recognize the opportunity in front of the program.
Heard has experienced Hoyt's vision from the player's side. When discussing the extension, Heard joked that she wished she could remain at Oklahoma State long enough to play through the entirety of Hoyt's new contract.
"Me too," Hoyt immediately responded, sending the two into laughter. For Heard, though, the connection goes beyond basketball.
"She's a great role model for Cowgirl basketball, and just for wanting to be the type of player I want to be and the type of person I want to be off the court," Heard said. "She shows resilience, hard work. You know, she's very loyal and true."
Even with the security of a new contract and what she calls the most talented roster of her career, Hoyt is still looking elsewhere for ways to improve.
About a month before Oklahoma State football began its season, Hoyt asked first-year coach Eric Morris if she could sit in on one of his team meetings.
"I love learning and figuring out ways I can get better," Hoyt said.
She walked away impressed before Morris ever coached his first game for the Cowboys.
"I just knew this guy is special," Hoyt said. "Really, really good. He's sharp. Concise. Confident. His players clearly loved him."
After watching Morris guide Oklahoma State to a 3-1 start and bring renewed excitement around the football program, Hoyt believes his personality fits the university.
"He's just perfect for Oklahoma State and the culture and what we're about here," Hoyt said. "Blue collar. Genuine. Down to earth. Gritty."
Hoyt is trying to build something of her own around many of those same qualities. Four years into her tenure, Oklahoma State has become a consistent NCAA Tournament program. The talent level has increased. Donor investment has followed. And now the university has committed to keeping its coach through 2031.
Hoyt doesn't view any of it as the destination.
"The future is brighter than ever," Hoyt said. "I'm just thrilled. I'm grateful."
She came to Stillwater wanting to accomplish something Oklahoma State women's basketball had never done.
With a new contract and her most talented roster yet, she has more time — and more resources — to try to make it happen.
