Jacie Hoyt, a native of Hoxie, was named head coach of Oklahoma State women’s basketball program in March. She said her successful coaching career was expedited by her experience at Fort Hays State University. After playing college basketball and graduating from Wichita State University, Hoyt came to Fort Hays State to complete her master’s, along with hopes to continue her college basketball career. An unfortunate injury quickly shifted her plans. Although she wasn’t able to compete on the court, Hoyt took on an important coaching role as a graduate assistant for the FHSU women’s basketball team.
“Coach (Tony) Hobson included me, leaned on me, and made me feel like I was an important member of the team,” she said.
While Hoyt says not being able to play was hard, the community she found at FHSU was very supportive.
Hoyt graduated from FHSU in 2011 with a master of science in communication. She set her sights on continuing her coaching career, following in the footsteps of her mother, Shelly Hoyt ‘01, a legendary Kansas high school coach. Shelly Hoyt coached the Hoxie girls to a state record 107 consecutive victories and four consecutive state championships.
“I can’t really say I grew up wanting to be a coach; I just wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Jacie Hoyt said. “But I can say that I was encouraged and inspired by watching my mom coach.”
Hoyt’s competitive spirit and love for the game quickly landed her an assistant coach position at the University of Nevada before taking a similar position at Kansas State University. In 2017, Hoyt was hired as head coach for the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she guided her team to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regularseason championship.
As the new head coach for Oklahoma State women’s basketball, Hoyt is looking forward to building and empowering her team as it competes in the Big 12 Conference.