Preseason Poll Shows Belief in the Cowgirls
Oklahoma State women’s basketball is entering the 2025–26 season with momentum and belief behind it. In the Big 12 preseason coaches poll, the Cowgirls were picked to finish fourth, earning 186 total votes along with two first-place selections. It’s a strong indication that this team has not only earned respect across the conference but is also viewed as a serious contender for the league title.
The Cowgirls find themselves behind only TCU, Iowa State, and Baylor in the rankings, but the presence of two first-place votes suggests that some within the coaching ranks believe Oklahoma State could rise to the top when the season unfolds. This level of recognition marks a shift in expectations for the program and reflects the work done under head coach Jacie Hoyt, who has continued to elevate the team since taking the reins.
Stailee Heard Garners Unanimous Recognition
Junior guard Stailee Heard was named a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 Preseason Team, a distinction that further solidifies her status as one of the top returning players in the conference. Heard is coming off a stellar sophomore campaign in which she averaged 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Her efficiency was just as impressive as her production, as she shot 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc.
Heard’s growth over the past two seasons has positioned her as the clear leader of this Cowgirls squad. Her scoring versatility, rebounding tenacity, and composure in big moments make her a central figure in OSU’s quest for a deep postseason run. As she enters her junior year, she’s not only expected to lead by example but to elevate the performance of those around her.
Building on Momentum and Depth
Last season, Oklahoma State finished 25–7 and made a return to the NCAA Tournament, a testament to the program’s upward trajectory under Hoyt. With a proven system in place and a star in Heard, the Cowgirls now face the challenge of building on that success and proving they can maintain their place among the Big 12’s elite.
For OSU to meet or exceed expectations, consistency will be key. The supporting cast around Heard will need to step up in meaningful ways, contributing on both ends of the floor. A team built around chemistry, defensive effort, and efficient scoring has the potential to not only hold its ground in the Big 12 but to shake up the top of the standings.
Eyes Set on March
As the preseason hype builds, so does the pressure. But for a program that has steadily climbed in both performance and perception, Oklahoma State is more than ready to embrace the challenge. With a respected coach, a unanimous all-conference player in Stailee Heard, and growing belief from across the league, the Cowgirls are no longer a team on the rise—they're a team expected to compete.
The 2025–26 season offers a new opportunity for Oklahoma State to prove its place among college basketball’s best. If this group stays focused, healthy, and hungry, there’s no telling how far they can go.