STILLWATER — Oklahoma State women’s basketball coach Jacie Hoyt gave birth to her first child, a baby girl, the team announced Thursday morning.
“The newest member of our Cowgirl family is here and everybody is healthy and happy!” the social media post read.
Hoyt, who is in her third season coaching OSU, is expected to miss at least a game or two. The Cowgirls (9-1) host McNeese at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Gallagher-Iba Arena, then open Big 12 play against Iowa State on Dec. 21, also at GIA.
Then OSU has a 10-day break after that, returning to the court on New Year’s Day against Baylor in Waco, Texas.
“I’ve been trying to get everything prepared and ready to go, not just for myself but for everyone here that I’m stepping away from,” Hoyt said Monday in her final media appearance before stepping away for maternity leave. “I think it’s a really great opportunity for our coaches and our players to step up and be leaders in my absence.”
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Hoyt had to miss two games earlier this season when the team played in Daytona, Florida, and she was not allowed to fly, per doctor’s guidelines.
Associate head coach Jhasmin Player served as head coach for that trip, and will do so again in the coming days.
“Initially, I was thinking maybe I’ll take a little more time,” Hoyt said of her maternity plan. “Then being out for that Florida tournament, it taught me a lot about myself. While it might change again, I learned that I’m wired to get a lot of my self-worth from work. I love what I do and I love being part of a team. I know things are gonna change when a baby enters the picture, but I feel like I’m my best self when I’m involved and part of a team.
“My goal is to hopefully be back, maybe not standing on the sidelines but at least there for Iowa State to open up Big 12. Who knows, that could change.”
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSU women’s basketball coach Jacie Hoyt gives birth to daughter
