Voices of the Future
OSU Student Uses Global Studies to Inspire International Change
BY MARCUS MESIS I STAFF REPORTER
Determination and a desire to foster global unity are two ways to describe Oklahoma State University student Stephanie Ewubajo, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Global Studies & International Relations.
Running a foundation could be a full-time job on its own,
but for Ewubajo, it is just one part of who she is. Originally from Nigeria, she worked as a lawyer before coming to the United States to pursue higher education. Her legal background ultimately led her to study global issues on a broader scale.
“Over time, law teaches you that this is the problem and this is the solution,” Ewubajo
Where to explore in Stillwater during Great Outdoors Month
Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER
Reconnect with nature this Great Outdoors Month with some of Stillwater’s most scenic locations.
From well-known spots like the Botanic Gardens to hidden gems such as Lake Carl Blackwell, there is little reason to stay inside this June.
The Botanic Garden at OSU
For those more interested in a scenic view, the Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University is the perfect route to go. As a part of OSU Agriculture, the 100-acre garden
and arboretum is open from dawn to dusk each day for guests near and far to walk, skip and breathe in the fresh air filled with flowers. The garden itself is a “living laboratory” used by multiple departments within OSU. The garden sells plants, herbs and succulents for those who are interested in nurturing their green thumb. And for those who enjoy getting their steps in, the garden provides walking trails, display gardens and a multitude of children’s activity spots for those with inquisitive minds this summer.
said. “But I became attracted to global studies because it makes you think on a global level. I’m interested in understanding what causes problems and what we can do to address them.”
That mindset has fueled her efforts to promote global unity through her work as founder of the Radiant Circle Global Foundation, which recently
hosted its first international event, Voices of the Future.
“This Voices of the Future program is the first international event and will become a flagship initiative for what we’ll be doing every year to foster unity, global cooperation and cultural understanding,” Ewubajo said.
See VOICES on page 4
How students learned, connected and engaged at NASA in Houston
Caleson Coon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Just last week, a team of Oklahoma State students traveled to Houston as a part of NASA’s Micro-g NExT program.
The NASA Micro-g NExT (Microgravity Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams) is a program that challenges undergraduate students, of all majors and years, to build, design and test a prototype created by them for real space exploration missions. One of the two challenges this year was the Passive Capture Tool Dock, and the team of 13 students’ prototype was accepted back in January, along with only 12 others in the nation. The team or H.O.R.I.Z.O.N.
for One handed Retention and Zero gravity Operation and Navigation – as they call themselves, spent three days at NASA, experimenting, connecting and learning.
“Overall, the entire experience went really well,” said Cooper Hopkins, a junior physics major from Lawton. “I think our group definitely excelled when it came to the testing process, due to, like, the preparation from just weeks and weeks of making sure it’d go great.”
Hopkins said the team took a lot of time working on their testing operations plan, and their team lead, Molly, did well guiding the diver through any issues that may have come up.
Courtesy Stephanie Ewubajo
For Ewubajo, fostering global unity has been a major focus throughout her life. Participation in Model United Nations helped strengthen her belief in international cooperation.
Jackie Dobson, The O’Colly
There are a lot of beautiful things at the Oklahoma State Botanical Gardens on highway 51. Including this gorgeous spring, take some time to smell the roses.
Courtesy Jessi Varela Team lead, Molly, guides the diver during testing. See
Continued from 1
During the testing, Jacob Witthuhn, a junior mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Withcita, KS, said the prototype did about everything they expected it to. Although they worried that under the immense water pressure the prototype would alter its performance, they found it be of no concern.
“We found that not only was it holding the tool well, but it was undocking and redocking perfectly fine,” Witthuhn said.
The feedback given from NASA was minimal in saying the only changes they would make would be to counter sink the bolt holes that connect the tool into the dock.
H.O.R.I.Z.O.N. believed this was due to a few of the bolts on the tool side getting in the way when a diver would try to dock it at a specific angle.
And after months of late nights planning, testing and maunfactering, the members agreed that, while it was a lot of work, it was incredibly worth it.
“Mainly because you’re going to a place where you’re surrounded by some of the smartest people in the world, and you don’t get that opportunity very often,” Hopkins said. “We were definitely not only given the opportunity to test our prototype, but actually network with a large amount of people there.z’ Hopkins recalled the huge
industry fair that was used to form connections that could potentially alter one’s career path – and for some, it did just that.
Gustavo Rivera, a junior mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Oklahoma City, said after speaking to people at NASA and astronauts, it helped him realize his desire to become an astronaut through hearing their stories.
“And that’s kinda how I wanted to go with my life, but kind of took an easier route, and then it kind of being there reminded me of what I actually wanted to do,” Rivera said. “So, I really pivoted, probably joining the Air Force after my master’s, and then hoping to be a test pilot to eventually then apply to be an astronaut.”
Witthuhn had the same realization that opened his eyes to the possibilities before him.
“I didn’t think it was possible for – I mean, I’m 6 ‘4, I didn’t think it was possible for me to be an astronaut, but I found that it actually is,” Witthuhn said. “And even if I don’t make it that far, the path that you take to get there is incredibly fascinating, and something I want to try.”
He said it was their adviser and assistant professor at OSU, Alyssa Avery who helped him come to that realization due to her wanting to apply to be an astronaut in the next few years.
For Gustavo, it was hearing astronaut Steve Swanson’s presentation and
him mentioning how he immediately applied after completing his master’s degree.
“But just the idea of trying as soon as you can, and then keep going, and eventually you’ll get it is so inspiring,” Rivera said.
Students across campus can gain inspiration by joining next year’s program that is open to all.
Hopkins said he thinks many students get caught up in the thought they are too new to an engineering program.But all students, including those that are STEM focused majors, can begin by showing up, looking at
the problem and learning how they can contribute to the team.
“I think if you just try to ask questions and be helpful, you can do a lot more than you think,” Hopkins said.
Jessi Varela, a junior majoring in management from Bridge Creek, said one of the people in charge at NASA mentioned that it is not often that OSU gets accepted; but whenever they do, they always surprise NASA. This year was no exception as NASA told the students how proud they were of their piece.
“It was a huge honor to be
able to do that for our school,” Varela said.
H.O.R.I.Z.O.N. also has a chance to further their development alongside NASA in the future. As NASA goes through footage, they will decide whether they want to reach back out to teams, while deciding, H.O.R.I.Z.O.N. will wait and relish in the revelations and honor that came with their prototype being chosen for this year’s Micro-g NExT 2026 -Passive Capture Tool Dock challenge.
Courtesy Jessi Varela
Left to right are OSU students, Gustavo River Garcia, Elijah Nunoo, Cooper Hopkins, astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, astronaut Steve Swanson, Molly Dolan, Jacob Witthuhn and Jessi Varela at the NASA Space Center in Houston.
Courtesy Jessi Varela
Left to right are OSU students Dylan Ingram, Liam Workman, Drenzel Garrido Vieyra, Marilyn McNulty, Jacob Witthuhn, Abby Fonseca Rodriguez, Reagan Liles, Jaycie Jester, Molly Dolan, Cooper Hopkins, Elijah Nunoo, Gustavo Rivera Garcia, Jessi Varela at the NASA Space Center in Houston.
Courtesy Jessi Varela
Left to right are OSU students Jessi Varela, Jacob Witthuhn, Elijah Nunoo, Cooper Hopkins, Molly Dolan and Gustavo Rivera.
Lifestyle
Rising Rent costs strain OSU students
As rent climbs in Stillwater, Oklahoma State students face difficult choices about housing, work and education
When sophomore graphic design major Lily Ferguson saw her lease renewal email this spring, her stomach sank.
Her apartment at Prime Place, about a 12-minute walk from OSU’s campus, was jumping from $629 per month to $749 for the upcoming lease cycle. The $120 increase forced her to rethink her budget.
“I just sat there thinking, ‘How am I supposed to make this work?’” Ferguson said. “I already have a job.”
Ferguson shares the threebedroom unit with two other roommates. In addition to her $749 base rent, she pays a $30 monthly community fee, a $45 annual parking pass and monthly utilities. Over the course of her 11-month lease, her housing costs will total over $9,000, roughly $1,000 more than she paid the previous year.
In a college town where many students live off campus, rising rent is becoming a growing financial concern.
Even if rent increases seem small, some student-focused apartments are doing much better. Prime Place, managed by The Prime Company, has raised rates every year while keeping nearly all units full. The rest of the market hasn’t done as well, with lower occupancy and falling prices, showing that housing near campus is still in high demand.
A leasing representative at Prime Place said standard three-bedroom rent starts at
$629 per month, depending on unit size. The representative said rates increased between $30 and $50 for the upcoming lease cycle and that the complex is currently 99% occupied.
“I knew rent would go up eventually, but not like this,” Ferguson said. “Each year it feels like it jumps way more than my paycheck does.”
Many students rely on apartments, rental houses and on-campus housing to balance school and work. As prices climb, those options become less accessible.
Senior animal science major Makynlee Castillo said she struggled for several years to find affordable housing near campus. Now, she lives off campus at her parents’ house to make ends meet.
Castillo said that even though living with her parents helps financially, it comes with tradeoffs, including commuting and less independence.
Students who live on campus also feel the pressure of rising rent. Bryan Medrano, a senior and resident assistant in an OSU residence hall, said housing concerns often come up in conversations with residents.
“Students who live in the dorms are stressed about what comes next,” Medrano said. “You can tell when someone is worried about money. It starts to affect their sleep, their grades and how involved they are on campus.”
For many students, rising rent has left them with few real options, pushing them to accept housing that strains their finances or take on additional work just to get by.
Sophomore elementary education major Lydia Pince lives in a three-bedroom apartment at Cottage Row. Her base rent is $770 per month, but after utilities, she usually pays around $820. She decided not to renew her lease for next year.
“Everything here is outdated and pretty crappy and old,” Pince said. “But I heard they made some apartments nicer, and that made rent higher.” She said rising prices across multiple complexes made it hard to justify staying. Paying more for older units felt unreasonable, especially as updated apartments cost even more.
“Honestly, me and my roommates signed leases early because we were scared there wouldn’t be anything left,” she said. “It doesn’t feel like we have much control.”
As competition for housing
increases before each fall semester, Pince said students often end up settling for higher rent or less desirable conditions just to secure a place to live.
“At some point, you stop looking for something affordable and just look for something available,” Pince said.
For some students, the financial pressure raises more serious concerns about whether they can afford to remain in school.
Weeks after opening the lease renewal email, Ferguson reluctantly signed the new contract. To make it work, she picked up extra shifts at work and trimmed her grocery budget. It wasn’t ideal, but it was necessary.
“I love Stillwater, and I love OSU,” Ferguson said. “I just wish living here didn’t feel like such a constant fight.”
Stillwater traditions
Caleson Coon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After 665 days of residing in Stillwater, I finally underwent the tradition all cowboys do – I went to The Strip and sat down in Eskimo Joe’s.
Although I’d briefly stepped inside before – back in October for an interview about how local businesses prepare for homecoming, which is on The O’Colly website if any desire to give it a read – I underestimated the size and volume of the restaurant.
In the midst of what I understand to be what is perhaps underwhelmed chaos compared to Joe’s usual school year chaos, I found my seat next to my “friend” and classmate, Emma.
The menu was the first red flag as I found it inconvenient to lay flat on the table, however, I soon settled in and let Emma order the infamous Sweet Peppered Bacon Cheese Fries –with a side of water for me.
The fries soon came and I will admit, my stomach is grumbling at the mere thought of them right now. It was safe to say that I will, in fact, be contemplating on ordering them for dinner this evening. The fries smothered in ketchup made me wish I had ordered them as my main entree, but I’d already made my choice on the Blackened Chicken Sandwich Hot Spice and a baked potato as my side.
Lake McMurtry
Located approximately ten minutes from Stillwater, Lake McMurtry is a tranquil, familyfriendly reservoir. Visitors can camp, bike, hike, kayak, fish, swim and even play disc golf. A day pass at Lake McMurtry is $6 per vehicle and is valid until 10 p.m.
Boomer Lake Park
Boomer lake is perhaps the most popular activity center around Stillwater with various features for everyone. With the proper permit, visitors are allowed to fish to their heart’s content. The park is also available for hosting events given prior reservations. For parents trying to keep their kids cool and busy during the hot summer, there is a Splash Pad open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; it features an ocean theme and toys for children to enjoy. A playground is located on the west side of the lake, so make sure to pack extra sunscreen
for those extra sunny – and cloudy – days. Whether it’s the waterfront, disc golf course or simply following the trails, Boomer Lake Park makes for an enjoyable time.
Lake Carl Blackwell
For a heightened camping experience and a short trip, Lake Carl Blackwell is the place to go with only being eight miles west of Stillwater. It features 10 cabins, 12 campgrounds, 24-hour fuel and a lakeside convenience store, there is little missing for the perfect weekend outdoors. For those wanting to exercise their athleticism, there is a ski-point available along with bike, hiking and equestrian trails. And if one is babysitting, dog-sitting or parenting, a playground near the lake provides another place to explore at Lake Carl Blackwell. Camping is also available yearround and the fish are plentiful.
The OSU Outdoor Adventure Challenge Course
For those interested in activities more challenging, OSU’s outdoor adventure
challenge course is a great way to exercise one’s athletic and mental abilities for all ages. The course offers a plethora of games, obstacles and problems to solve during one’s trip to the outdoors. There are also High vs. Low Ropes for exercises with low ropes requiring more of a team effort and
high ropes challenging a person individually. All sessions are customizable, accommodations are available and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance for groups. Every semester, information on the course is updated.
As I began to eat my meal, I found that I enjoyed the chicken – also smothered in ketchup –much more by itself than with the actual burger. So, sayonara to the bun, tomatoes, pickles and onions, but no worry as Emma took it upon herself to pick the tomatoes off my plate without warning. “No burger topping left behind,” became her mentality as she, oh so quickly, reminded me that “she’ll be back for the pickles.” As if they were going anywhere but her tummy.
All in all, the service was lovely, the company questionable, but the fries –wonderful. Perhaps next time, I will choose a different entree to assist my water, but at least I can say that there will indeed be a next time.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly
After freshman year, students have the choice to live off campus.
Caleson Coon, The O’Colly Eskimo Joe’s famous cheese fries.
Caleson Coon, The O’Colly
The OSU Botanical Gardens are filled with various ranges of wildlife, plants and flowers for visitors to enjoy.
NEwS
Former OSU football coach Simmons dies at 77
Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR
Bob Simmons, Oklahoma State’s football coach from 1995 to 2000, passed away Tuesday at the age of 77.
Simmons was the first African American head football coach in program history and the history of the Big Eight Conference, and would go 3038 during his six-year tenure.
The Cowboys would go 4-8 in Simmons’ first season, and would also be the final season in the Big Eight Conference before joining the newly formed Big 12 Conference.
One of those wins in 1995 was a 12-0 victory over Oklahoma, breaking a 19-year drought without a win against the in-state rivals. Simmons would go on to hold a 3-3 record in the Bedlam rivalry games with back-to-back wins in 1997 and 1998 by a combined score of 71-33.
Simmons ended OSU’s nine-season bowl drought with an appearance in the 1997
Alamo Bowl against Purdue, but the Cowboys fell 33-20. That squad’s eight wins were the most since the 1988 team, which won 10 games. He would also be named Big 12 Coach of the Year.
“Coach Simmons was a fair and fatherly coach,” said Cowboy All-American R.W. McQuarters in a release. “He took over an OSU program that had struggled in previous years, but in his first year his recruiting class was amazing. We had no problem beating OU during his career. He will be missed and always loved, as will his family.”
“He was a phenomenal evaluator of talent,” said Gary Calcagno, who has been a member of the OSU strength and conditioning staff since 2000. “He was also extremely good at assessing coaching talent.”
Simmons’ first coaching staff included future OSU head coaches Les Miles and Mike Gundy. Later in his tenure, he hired Rob Ryan as co-defensive
coordinator, a role Ryan held from 1997-99.
Simmons recruited and/ or coached some of the greatest names in OSU history, including All-Americans Alonzo Mayes, Sam Mayes, McQuarters, Kevin Williams and Rashaun Woods. The 1997 team included eight players
The foundation had previously operated exclusively in Nigeria.
Expanding internationally required collaboration with partners across multiple countries.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work, but because this involved international children, we had to collaborate with other countries,” Ewubajo said.
“This is the first pilot program, and each year we hope it will create more partnerships, more collaboration and greater global unity.”
Voices of the Future took place in four countries — the United States, Nigeria, South Africa and Malawi — and focused on youth education and empowerment. The program introduced students to careers that can create change on an international scale.
“If you’re a tech innovator, you’re not limited to where you are,” Ewubajo said.
“Your innovation can solve problems in other countries and contribute to global trade beyond Africa.”
The event reached approximately 650 students across the four participating countries, exposing them to opportunities to make a difference beyond their local communities. While it was the foundation’s first international event, supporting education has long been central to its mission.
“The foundation has been working to improve access to quality education,” Ewubajo
Simmons also coached his son, Nathan, who played running back for the Cowboys.
“Coach Simmons created a pathway of greatness for Oklahoma State and the student-athletes who came through the program during
said. “Part of that work has included nutritional support and providing partial scholarships.”
For Ewubajo, fostering global unity has been a major focus throughout her life.
Participation in Model United Nations helped strengthen her belief in international cooperation.
“When nations work together, there can be global unity and cultural understanding,” she said.
“This campaign meant so much to me because children were celebrated, their voices were heard and they were encouraged to dream. It also showed that children in different regions dream in different ways.”
The international event also left an impression on the volunteers who helped make it possible. Through collaboration with participants from other countries, volunteers gained new perspectives on how young people around the world think about their futures.
“Volunteers really enjoyed seeing how things are done in South Africa and learning what children in Nigeria are thinking about and dreaming about,” Ewubajo said. “We also collected many stories that we’ll continue sharing through our foundation.”
Before pursuing graduate studies, Ewubajo built a legal career in Nigeria. She worked as a lawyer and later served
as a barrister and solicitor before the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Those experiences, combined with her studies in global affairs, have shaped her approach to nonprofit leadership.
“I’m drawn to nonprofit work because I’m passionate about helping people, humanitarian efforts and development work,” Ewubajo said. “My legal background gave me problem-solving skills, and global studies has helped me understand that nonprofits are not just charity organizations. They should focus on sustainable development and long-term impact.”
Ewubajo said her experiences growing up in
Nigeria continue to inspire her work.
“I grew up there, and I understand many of the challenges people face,” she said. “When you’ve lived through those experiences, you understand them in a different way.”
That understanding, combined with a desire to give back, continues to drive her efforts.
“I’m educated, and I’ve reached where I am today through education,” Ewubajo said. “I want to give back and empower the next generation. It’s something I enjoy doing and something I love.”
who would be All-Big 12 selections.
his era,” said former Cowboy linebacker and staff member Kenyatta Wright. “The culture he established set a standard of excellence that will impact generations of Cowboys. My heart and thoughts go out to the Simmons family and all of the players he impacted.”
Tulsa World
‘Blue dot fever’ comes from the visual of unsolved seats on ticket websites.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy Stephanie Ewubajo
Friday, June 12, 2026
How Hoyt used past relationships to build the nation’s No. 1 portal class
Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER
Jacie Hoyt doesn’t delete her old text messages.
That habit helped the Oklahoma State women’s basketball coach reconnect with players she recruited years ago, including Ellie Brueggemann, as she rebuilt the Cowgirls’ roster this offseason.
“I had messages back from her junior year in High School,” Hoyt said. “(From) the very first day that I could text her as a coach, I still had those messages. So we reminisced about our old conversations and it was just a very full-circle moment for us.” Hoyt had previously recruited Brueggemann when
she was at UMKC, and their past played a key role in Brueggemann’s decision to transfer to OSU.
“It was a big deal,” Brueggemann’s mom, Nicole, said in a phone interview with the O’Colly. “When Jacie called her, Ellie said, ‘It was almost like home to her.’”
With only Stailee Heard returning and a limited transfer portal window, Hoyt leaned on years of established relationships to rebuild the roster. The result was a transfer class ranked No. 1 nationally by On3, ESPN and USA Today.
“Portal recruiting is like speed dating,” Hoyt said.
“You’re trying to learn as much as you can about someone in a very short amount of time… but when
you have a relationship that has already been established years and years ago, that is a huge advantage. That’s a huge head start.”
Brueggemann wasn’t the only current Cowgirl that Hoyt recruited to be a Roo. She also had previous ties with Audi Crooks.
Hoyt’s relationship with Crooks extended beyond recruiting. The two also became familiar with one another while competing against each other in the Big 12 when Crooks was at Iowa State.
“She and I have known each other for a long time,” Hoyt said. “I recruited her when I was at UMKC, and then just playing against each other and being in those same spaces, you get to learn about people.
I think her and I are a very natural fit with one another.”
Crooks also had ties with Heard after both played together at the USA AmeriCup Trials in the summer of 2025, and they have faced each other in the Big 12.
Even in January, three months before Crooks announced she was transferring to OSU, Heard detailed the relationship the two have built.
“We’ve known each other for a while,” Heard said. “When I went over for the USA Trials, (she was there) and we were hanging out. We’re in the same class… we have a lot of love for each other.”
While Brueggemann and Crooks had direct ties to
OSU’s coach and returning player, Hoyt was able to find mutual connections with Talexa Weeter and LA Sneed. Weeter, the reigning Division II player of the year, was the first addition for the Cowgirls in the offseason. She had previously played at Fort Hays State, where Hoyt served as a graduate assistant during the 2010-11 season. However, their relationship was formed in Northwest Kansas.
Hoyt grew up watching Weeter’s mom, Pamela, play in high school. She played for Weskan High School and several times faced Utica, where Hoyt’s mom, Shelly, coached.
See HOYT on page 6
TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)
It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.
Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.
I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who
would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4)
As you set your heart
Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt used years of recruiting relationships to help build the nation’s No. 1 transfer portal class this offseason.
Sports
Cowboy basketball raising the bar in Year 3 of the Lutz era
Will Thorogood STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State men’s basketball is back on campus for summer workouts, and coach Steve Lutz is raising the bar for this year’s team.
Just making the NCAA Tournament is not enough, as he expects the Cowboys to be a top team in the Big 12 and make a deep postseason run.
“I think we have enough talent in the room to win,” Lutz said. “That’s kind of sticking your neck out and going out on a limb for a guy that won six games in the Big 12 last year, where I think we need to be fighting, hopefully, for a conference title or at least be in the top four, five, six in the league because that guarantees you that you’re probably a top 20 to 40 team in the country, and you give yourself an opportunity to win in the NCAA Tournament.”
Lutz met with the media on Tuesday and discussed how the roster was constructed, the importance of the four returning players, and the improvement in the program’s NIL resources.
Update on Parsa Fallah’s eligibility waiver
Parsa Fallah suffered a devastating season-ending torn ACL in OSU’s 91-84 overtime win over West Virginia on Feb. 24, and he does not want that to be how his collegiate career ends. Fallah has filed for an NCAA eligibility waiver as a step toward securing a sixth year of eligibility.
Lutz talked about that situation and what he is doing with the roster at the moment.
“So we’ve filled 14 scholarships, and Parsa is petitioning the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility because of some circumstances he had when he first came over to the United States,” Lutz said. “So
yes, I am holding a scholarship for him at this point.”
Lutz said that Fallah’s rehab process is going well.
“He’s a lot thicker, but that’s because he’s not running,” Lutz said. “But he told me the other day, if I’m not mistaken, that he should be running here very soon or jogging pretty soon.”
Fallah averaged 14.7 points and six rebounds per game before suffering the injury. If granted a sixth year, he would provide the Cowboys with an experienced presence in the post.
How important are the four returning players for this year’s team?
Kanye Clary, Mekhi Ragland, Ben Ahmed and Ryan Crotty are returning for OSU this year, and that importance does not go unnoticed. While Clary was a key contributor last season, the other three gained valuable experience learning Lutz’s system, which could pay dividends in their sophomore campaigns.
“All four of those guys have been able to kind of set the standard a little bit, and help these newer guys understand what the bar is and what the standard is,” Lutz said. “I think that’s a huge testament to us being able to retain guys, and that’s because we were able to find more support this year.”
Clary’s return is a massive win for the Cowboys this offseason. He thrived at setting up scoring opportunities, finishing with 157 assists and an average of around five per game. When he limited turnovers, Clary was one of OSU’s most impactful players.
Lutz spoke about Clary wanting to return despite offers from other schools.
“Kanye was very intentional about returning and saying, ‘Hey coach, I know that other teams may be offering more money and trying to steal me,
but if you’ll get me a fair offer, I want to stay here because I want to bring my kids back to Oklahoma State. I want this to be my university. I want to be a Cowboy,’” Lutz said. “And that means something to him. There are those people that it means something to, and Kanye is one of them.”
Increase in NIL resources within the program NIL played a major role in constructing this year’s roster, as the Cowboys added multiple
transfers, including some with prior experience at high-level programs. In Lutz’s first season, OSU thrived on defense and struggled on offense. Last season, the Cowboys made strides offensively but struggled to find consistency on the defensive end.
Lutz spoke about how NIL helped him find a good balance on offense and defense for this year’s group.
“... We have much more pot to work with from an NIL standpoint,” Lutz said. “We
were able to raise a lot of funds.
That has certainly helped us.” He spoke about where the program stood regarding NIL resources over the last two seasons.
“We’ve been funded from a NIL standpoint in the bottom third of the league in years one and two,” Lutz said. “We’ve improved that in this class, and that’s certainly helped us acquire more talent, and it’s helped us to acquire more pieces that fit us.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU women’s basketball learns 2026-27 Big 12 opponents
Oklahoma State women’s basketball learned its conference opponents for the 2026-27 season Thursday as the Big 12 released its league opponent matrix.
The retooled Cowgirls are coming off a 24-10 season and a 12-6 finish in Big 12 play. OSU reached its third NCAA Tournament in four years under coach Jacie Hoyt and earned its first tournament victory of her tenure. However, the team lost all but one returner in the offseason, with senior Stailee Heard being the only Cowgirl back in orange and black for the upcoming season.
“Her mom was a great high school player who my mom coached against,” Hoyt said. “I remember watching her mom play. I think I was probably like a fourth or fifth grader. She was really good. I idolized her in a lot of ways, and it was just really cool to be able to connect the dots.”
“Where we’re from in Northwest Kansas, everyone knows everyone. I had a lot of connections, not necessarily for me and Talexa personally, but just our families knowing each other’s family.”
As for her connection with Sneed, Hoyt turned to OSU men’s basketball coach Steve Lutz.
Before he arrived in Stillwater, Lutz coached Sneed’s older brother, Jalen Jackson, at Western Kentucky
and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Hoyt was able to get information about Sneed and her family from Lutz that she normally wouldn’t have access to.
“I was able to connect a lot of dots with him,” Hoyt said. “Tell me about this family and what you know and what it was like to coach her brother. It was all really, really great things, and that was really important for me in this cycle was to find kids who come from families who understand hard coaching.”
Even though she faced adversity this offseason, Hoyt used her past relationships, revamped the Cowgirls’ roster, and built the No. 1-rated transfer portal class.
“This is just cool to me to talk about these kids because there’s so many connections in different ways,” Hoyt said.
Despite losing all but one returning player, OSU quickly rebuilt its roster through the transfer portal.
Hoyt and her staff managed to pull in the nation’s No. 1 transfer class, headlined by Florida guard Liv McGill and Iowa State center Audi Crooks, the Nos. 1 and 2 portal prospects in the country, according to CBS Sports. They also added three other top 100 transfers in Lindenwood’s Ellie Brueggemann, Baylor’s Yuting Deng and Rutgers’ Nene Ndiaye.
The Cowgirls will face three conference opponents in a home-and-home series. Those teams are Colorado, Iowa State and Kansas.
The Cowgirls swept both the Cyclones and Jayhawks last season, but split their matchups against the Buffaloes.
OSU’s remaining home games are filled by Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas State, TCU, Cincinnati and defending conference champion West Virginia. It’s just the second trip Arizona, Arizona State and Cincinnati have made to Gallagher-Iba Arena since joining the Big 12. Several home games also carry added storylines. Kansas State eliminated OSU from last season’s Big 12 Tournament, while TCU is now home to former Cowgirl Jadyn Wooten after two seasons in Stillwater. OSU will travel to BYU,
Utah, Texas Tech, Baylor, Houston and UCF for its remaining conference road games. OSU defeated all but one of these teams last season; the only loss was to Baylor at home. It marks the Cowgirls’ second-ever trip to Utah, and their third to Houston since both teams joined the Big 12. Utah also features former Cowgirl Lena Girardi, who spent her freshman season in Stillwater.
Game dates, tipoff times and television assignments will be announced at a later date.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Steve Lutz is headed into his third season as Oklahoma State’s head coach.
Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly Jacie Hoyt’s (right) is poised to exceed expectations for the Cowgirls.
Logan Cole STAFF REPORTER
Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly OSU women’s basketball has conference trips set for next season.
Sports
Sorsby’s case exposes the NCAA’s biggest problem
Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR
The NCAA’s grip on college athletics has weakened with nearly every court challenge over the last few years.
On Monday, another ruling added to that growing list.
Retired Lubbock County judge Ken Curry granted Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA, allowing him to play the 2026 season while his gambling case continues through the legal system. Sorsby was previously ruled ineligible after betting on college sports, including 40 wagers involving Indiana during the 2022 season when he was a freshman with the Hoosiers.
The ruling means Sorsby will miss only Texas Tech’s first two games against Abilene Christian and Oregon State before returning on Sept. 18 for the Red Raiders’ Big 12 opener against Houston.
This raises a simple question. How can a player who reportedly wagered more than $90,000 remain eligible when other athletes have lost seasons or entire careers over far less?
The answer isn’t really about Sorsby as an individual, but rather about a college athletics system in which enforcement has become increasingly inconsistent, leaving fans, athletes and schools wondering which NCAA rules still carry weight and which are simply waiting to be challenged in court.
Oklahoma State fans don’t have to look far for a recent gambling-related example.
Arland Bruce IV, a wide receiver who transferred to the Cowboys from Iowa in 2023, was part of an investigation and was found to have placed 132
wagers that totaled more than $4,342, including 11 placed on games that he played for the Hawkeyes during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He would ultimately never play for OSU and never compete in college football again.
Under NCAA rules, “studentathletes who engage in activities to influence the outcomes of their own games or knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting activities will potentially face permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports.”
If Bruce lost his college career over gambling violations, why is Sorsby getting another season with far more money wagered while his case plays out in court?
Sports betting isn’t the only example of NCAA enforcement creating long-term consequences. OSU knows that very well.
In 2021, the NCAA imposed a postseason ban on the Cowboy basketball program stemming from the federal college basketball corruption investigation and the actions of former associate head coach Lamont Evans, who accepted bribes in 2017. The punishment affected players and coaches who had no involvement in the violations, yet the Cowboys still paid the price.
Fans could argue whether the penalty was justified, but the NCAA’s decision was ultimately final. The players and coaches who had no involvement in the violations served the punishment, and there was little debate over who ultimately had the authority to make that decision.
The difference between Sorsby’s case and the others isn’t necessarily about the severity of the violation, but about how the NCAA’s ruling shaped the outcome.
Bruce’s punishment was career-ending and OSU’s basketball punishment altered an entire season. In both cases, the NCAA’s ruling determined the outcome. Sorsby’s case suggests something different: the NCAA can still impose penalties, but those penalties now appear increasingly subject to negotiation in a courtroom.
The NCAA certainly doesn’t see the ruling as a minor setback.
“There is no better example of why targeted intervention from Congress is necessary,” NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement. “When you have schools and deep-pocketed supporters willing to look the other way on the glaring integrity threat of betting on your own team — and judges whose rulings effectively strip away our ability to stop them — only Congress can equip the NCAA to apply this common sense rule to everyone fairly and consistently.
“The Protect College Sports Act would empower the NCAA to enforce rules including the gambling restrictions — it’s needed now more than ever.”
Reports have suggested that athletic directors around the Big 12 have discussed limiting future scheduling opportunities with Texas Tech across multiple sports.
“We had a thoughtful and productive conversation with our athletics directors (Tuesday) as we continue to work through the broader implications of this situation,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement. “Many of our athletics directors voiced their opinions.
“We will continue to have open and honest dialogue amongst the group and until there is something to report, these conversations will remain within the conference.”
Cowgirl basketball adds veteran coach Cain to strength staff
Logan Cole
STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State women’s basketball announced Tuesday the addition of veteran strength and conditioning coach Glenn Cain to Jacie Hoyt’s coaching staff.
Cain arrives in Stillwater after spending the previous five seasons at Rutgers, where he worked with fellow Cowgirl newcomer Nene Ndiaye. His resume also includes stops at New Mexico, Kansas and Division II Frostburg State.
During his time at Kansas, Cain helped develop eight future NBA Draft selections while
the Jayhawks women’s basketball program advanced to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. He also spent time as an intern with UConn’s women’s basketball program.
“I’m ecstatic about Glenn becoming a part of the Cowgirl family,” Hoyt said in a release. “His experience and proven ability to train high-level players, who have been successful both in college and in the pros, is the perfect fit for our roster. I’ve never hired anyone with more positive things said about them by coaches, players and coworkers.”
Cain becomes the latest
addition to a staff that has seen several changes this offseason.
“First and foremost, I’m grateful to coach Jacie Hoyt for this opportunity,” Cain said. “I’m both humbled and honored to join Cowgirl basketball. My family and I are excited to experience all that Stillwater has to offer.”
Hoyt added that Cain’s impact should extend beyond the weight room.
“His knowledge and enthusiasm to help our players be their best selves is something I’m excited to see translate on the court,” Hoyt said.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
SINCE 1957,
Even schools outside the Big 12 are in the mix. Athletic department leaders at Georgia and Nebraska instructed coaches and sport administrators not to schedule Texas Tech in any future athletic competition. There’s also a report that the Big Ten is expected to discuss a league-wide mandate against scheduling the Red Raiders in the future.
Whether those discussions amount to anything is beside the point. The backlash isn’t really about Texas Tech, but more about the precedent.
The fact that they’re happening at all shows how unsettled the college athletics landscape has become.
There is a reasonable argument that the NCAA’s gambling penalties are too severe. There is also an argument that courts are simply correcting a system that has struggled to adapt to modern college athletics, especially in the years since NIL reshaped the landscape. Those are fair conversations to have.
But if those rules are unfair, what does that say about the athletes and programs that already served penalties under them?
There’s a conversation worth having about whether the NCAA’s penalties are excessive, but it becomes more complicated when athletes and programs have already paid the price under those same rules.
As mentioned before, Bruce never got another season, and OSU basketball never got its postseason opportunity back.
For decades, schools and athletes were expected to accept NCAA penalties, whether they agreed with them or not. That reality has now changed.
Texas Tech getting its quarterback back is only part of the story.
The bigger takeaway is that NCAA rulings are no longer viewed as final in the way they once were.
College athletics are now moving toward a system in which NCAA rules only matter until someone successfully challenges them in court.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Former OSU pitcher Meylan debuts in AUSL
Marcus Mesis STAFF REPORTER
If you followed Oklahoma State softball over the past two seasons, it’s no surprise that Ruby Meylan is now pitching professionally.
After spending the previous two years with the Cowgirls, posting a 2.32 ERA and earning 39 wins, Meylan moved on to the professional ranks.
Following her senior season, the Carolina Blaze selected Meylan in the fifth round of the AUSL College Draft. She was then placed in the AUSL Reserve Pool, a group of players available to teams needing roster reinforcements throughout the season.
The Oklahoma City Sparks signed Meylan to a 30-day reserve contract on Tuesday.
Meylan made her professional debut on Wednesday against the Texas Volts, allowing three runs on six hits in three innings while taking the loss.
She recorded one strikeout during the outing and threw the first innings of her professional career less than an hour from Stillwater.
Meylan joins a Sparks pitching staff that features eight pitchers as she looks to earn a larger role with Oklahoma City’s inaugural AUSL franchise.
Her signing gives Oklahoma State another alum competing professionally and allows her to continue her career close to home while beginning the next chapter of her softball career.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little, The O’Colly Brendan Sorsby recieved injunction to play 2026 football season.
Sports
Ritchie and Meola earn
Oklahoma State outfielder
Kollin Ritchie earned AllAmerica second-team honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and was also named a Perfect Game second-team AllAmerican.
Third baseman Aidan Meola joined Ritchie on the Perfect Game All-America teams, earning third-team honors.
Their selections brought OSU’s all-time total to 155 All-America honors, with 19 players earning recognition under coach Josh Holliday. In his third season with the Cowboys, Ritchie produced one of the best offensive seasons in program history.
Ritchie batted .326 in 60 games with 31 home runs, 81 runs scored and 75 RBIs. He totaled 185 bases while posting an .804 slugging percentage, a 1.266 OPS and a 174 wRC+. Every batting statistic he posted this season was a career high.
Ritchie recorded multiple RBIs in 20 games, including three games with at least five RBIs, and ranked second on the team with 19 multihit performances. He was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.
Meanwhile, Meola capped
second-team and third-team honors respectively.
off his career with his best season, after playing in 50 games and batting .320 with 17 homers, 48 runs and 69 RBIs. As a fifth-year senior, Meola ranked fourth nationally with 1.38 RBIs per game, and he tallied 125 total bases, a .644 slugging percentage and a 1.069 OPS for a 144 wRC+ mark.
Both players’ efforts earned them spots on the ABCA/ Rawlings All-Central Region First Team. Ritchie was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and Meola was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
Ritchie finished among the nation’s top 15 in several categories, ranking third in home runs, fifth in total bases, sixth in runs scored, eighth in slugging percentage and 12th in RBIs.
His 31 homers this season are the second most in
program history, only behind Pete Incaviglia’s NCAA record 48. Ritchie is one of four Cowboys to hit 30 round-trippers in a season and the first since 1999. His 53 career home runs are now the eighth-most in program history.
Ritchie’s .804 slugging percentage this season also ranks eighth in program history.
The native of Atoka became the fifth Cowboy ever to hit three home runs in multiple games in a career. He hit three homers each against Sam Houston on Feb. 28 and against TCU on May 1, including a walk-off shot.
Ritchie has one year of eligibility remaining at OSU, though he is eligible for the 2026 MLB Draft.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Ryan Ruston STAFF REPORTER
Fresh off their best NCAA Championship finish since advancing to the national title match in 2021, the Cowgirls strengthened their lineup with another experienced golfer.
Louise Depadt signed with Oklahoma State last Friday, coach Annie Young announced. Depadt spent her first two seasons at Tarleton State and was named the WAC Golfer of the Year in each season.
“Louise is a great addition to the program,” Young said in a release. “She loves to compete and is a proven winner. We are excited for her to join our team.”
Depadt is No. 224 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. She has three wins so far in the 2026 calendar year: the Texas State Invitational, the Riverbend Intercollegiate and the 2026 WAC Women’s Golf
Championship. She most recently finished 90th in the Jabra Ladies Open de France. Last summer, Depadt won twice at the Grand Prix des Landes and the Biarritz Cup and finished runner-up at the Grand Prix De Pau. Depadt played in 19 collegiate events during her time at Tarleton State and finished in the top 10 in 13 of them, including seven topthree finishes and five wins. She joins a Cowgirls’ roster that finished the year ranked No. 13 in the country and is only losing senior Grace Kilcrease from the lineup. Ranking-wise, Depadt would slot in as the No. 4 bag, forming a lineup of Marta Silchenko, Ellie Bushnell, Yu-Chu Chen, Depadt and Summer Lee, with former highly ranked recruit Lucy Darr as a potential sixth woman.
Depadt will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly
Kollin Ritchie and Aidan Meola capped off the season with career-high years and earned