Sibling synergy sweeps over OSU women's basketball

Having a sister is like always having a teammate; you cheer each other on. Whether you're sharing laughs or arguments, the bond stays strong, like a team that never quits, and that translates on the court at Oklahoma State in the women's basketball program.

Basketball can certainly be a family business, whether that be through blood or bond, and it's not every day that you get the best of both worlds on the hardwood. With two coaches who are sisters and two players.

Jacie Hoyt said, "When we say family, we mean family."

Jacie Hoyt is the head coach for the OSU Cowgirls, and her sister Terran is an assistant on the team. They agreed that working with family every day has way more pros than cons.

"I'm getting to work for not just my sister, but my role model, like the person that I wanted to be since I was little," said Terran "So that's yeah, along with all the other things that are special, like it's just really special that I get to experience her in that way."

And the loyalty throughout the program is so contagious that Cowgirl guard Stailee Heard's sister, Tyla, decided to join out of the transfer portal.

"I never thought we'd play together again. After high school. And then just like having her now, we live together again," said Stailee

Tyla smiled, "It's awesome. She's my best friend, so I'm glad I get to play with her again."

Sisterhood on the White Maple is the standard in Stillwater.

"I think it just allows us to really go to that next level of the sisterhood and just really give like a tangible example every day," added Jacie

Coworkers, teammates, and role models for each other.

"It's really a blessing to get to play with your blood. And sure, like everyone else on the court is my sister is too. But to be able to play with the one that you grew up with the same everything, you can be each other and have the same minds kind of. It's really special," Tyla explained

When the whistle blows, it's more than just a game for the Hoyts and Heards. It's a testament to their dynamic bond both on and off the court.