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On March 20, 2022, Jacie Hoyt became the new head coach of the Oklahoma State women’s basketball team following Jim Littell’s decade-long stint with the Cowgirls. “He did an amazing job and laid a great foundation for us to continue to build on,” said Coach Hoyt as she gave Fit City Mag an exclusive tour of the Cowgirl’s basketball facilities.
As we walked through the orange- and black-painted halls, I immediately felt how special it is to be a part of this team. From Nike and Gatorade sponsorships, to a recovery room with hot and cold tubs, to a family room with a fully stocked kitchen, it’s only the best for the Oklahoma State Cowgirls. “We’re in the Big 12. We’re competing against the best of the best and we’re trying to be at our best. I think it’s so important to have these resources to allow our student-athletes to be at their absolute best on game day. At this level, every detail matters,” says Hoyt.
One of the most important rooms in the women’s facility is the meeting room where the Cowgirls talk about their core values. The team spent the spring writing out their goals and collaborating on their mission statement. Hoyt says, “It’s important for the players to write it out, see it and talk about what it means to them. Coaches are teachers first and foremost so this is our classroom setting.” She noted that this is one of her favorite aspects of being a coach.
Coach Hoyt not only grew up an athlete but followed in the footsteps of one of her most important mentors, her mother, who is a Kansas high school coaching legend. “I was able to watch my mom accomplish many things and have a lot of success in what is a ‘man’s world’,” says Hoyt. She learned how to overcome adversity from watching how her mom carried herself in challenging situations. Her mother is also one of her biggest supporters and always gives her the hard truth, telling her not what she wants to hear but what she needs to hear to be better.
Other mentors in her life include her father, a school superintendent in Kansas. He taught her about leadership and how to manage people. Hoyt also had former coaches show her the ropes and cheer her on and be her “truth tellers.” “One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is saying I believe In you. I’ve been fortunate and blessed to have that in my life and to now pay if forward to the players,” Hoyt emphasized.
Leadership to Coach Hoyt is about empowering people and walking alongside them. She believes it’s her responsibility to come up with the vision and carry out the mission that the team abides by. On or off the court, she stands up for her girls regardless of how tough the situation is. For her, it’s all about loving others and treating them the way you want to be treated. She’s the leader who says “get behind me” so she can guide them through the situation together.
Hoyt says her faith is her compass in those situations. “I make a thousand decisions a day. Faith is the filter that I make my decisions through.” She adds that her faith is her anchor and keeps her grounded when things don’t go well in her life. Coach Hoyt recalls several pivotal moments in her athletic career where things didn’t go as planned, specifically around injuries. She tore her ACL four different times, a difficult injury to rehabilitate. Hoyt said that her self-worth used to be the game, but now, being a head coach, she understands she is so much more than a player and a coach. “I had to go through that [injuries] to learn that about myself. I’m thankful for those experiences because they made me a much better coach for my players,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt knows how easy it is to get wrapped up in the wins, losses, and game performance and adds, “The best thing you can do is remember that you are more than whatever your performance says about you. Surround yourself with people who help you remember that.”
Hoyt believes you should surround yourself with people who want what’s best for you. “Leadership can be lonely at the top,” she adds, but she wouldn’t change it. “If someone is talking about you then you must be doing something right and are important for some reason or another.” Hoyt believes that people who are supposed to be in your life will always be there. One leader who drew Hoyt to Oklahoma State is Dr. Kayse Shrum, the first female president of Oklahoma State University. “She recognizes the importance of females in leadership and athletics and has given me a blueprint of what that looks like,” Hoyt says. Dr. Shrum is mentoring Hoyt, bringing her to several events and outings. Hoyt adds that she loves the way Dr. Shrum carries herself with such poise, class, and confidence.
“I want women and young girls to know that you can do hard things. It might seem like you have the world against you and you’re going to have to overcome some challenging things that others may not, but at the same time, that’s life. You have to continue to push through,” Hoyt states. Her advice to women in leadership and coaching positions is to be authentic to who they are, adding, “When I coach I’m very passionate, fiery, and competitive. As a female, that can sometimes be perceived as emotional or lack self-control, but with male coaches it’s competitive or passionate.”
Although this dichotomy is frustrating, Hoyt strongly believes that if you are passionate and love something then you must pursue it with all your heart and soul. This sentiment, in part, is what led her to Oklahoma State.
“OK State is a brand that is nationally recognized,” she says. Growing up in Big 12 territory, just over the border in Kansas, she and her family would hear about OK State every single sports season. When the University of Missouri-Kansas City hired Hoyt for her first head coaching job, she was the youngest head coach in Division I women’s basketball. Hoyt attributes that accolade to her hard work, but more so to the people who believed in her and were willing to take a risk on hiring a young, newcomer.
Hoyt is currently the youngest head coach in the Power Five. “I don’t take that lightly,” she states. “Its something I’m very honored to say. I see it as my responsibility to be a trailblazer in the industry and show my players that you can be a feminine, fiery female in this profession.”
The Cowgirls appreciate the connection with Coach Hoyt and the investment in them as women. “It’s important to me to be able to empower, impact, and invest in them in ways that really transcend the game. Helping them with their confidence and self-talk and all those things that are important to being successful in life after basketball,” says Hoyt.
Coach Hoyt immediately got to work adding several transfer players to the Cowgirl’s roster in preparation for the 2022 season. Now that she’s an Okie, Hoyt fits right into the Stillwater community and enjoys meeting the locals when she’s not on the court.
For information on the 2022-2023 Cowgirl’s basketball schedule or obtaining tickets, visit https://okstate.com/sports/womens-basketball
Behind every breast cancer survivor is a story with an uncertain ending and a person unsure where to look for resources. The Oklahoma community that supports breast cancer patients is working fervently to make it easier to find the resources necessary to write a story that provides hope and inspiration.
Many women do not receive mammograms until they are 30, making it challenging to diagnose those who unknowingly have breast cancer in their 20s. We asked the experts in the community what women can do for themselves, and they unanimously answered that they should self-exam and screen for it early by regularly getting mammograms and exams with a physician.
“Breast cancer is the #1 diagnosed cancer in women,” says Dr. John Han-Chih Chang, medical director of The Oklahoma Proton Center. He states that between 250,000 to 300,000 cases are diagnosed yearly, and roughly 55,000 to 60,000 women die from their disease. However, if detected early, the cure rates are as high as 95%.
Surviving breast cancer is a blessing, but one that comes with long-lasting effects on the mind, body, and soul. No one is more conscious of this than Sarah McLean, a two-time breast cancer survivor and the founder of Project31, a foundation that helps women and their families restore their lives during and after breast cancer. McLean explains that it’s essential to have a community of survivors to ask questions of and hear different perspectives from. She emphasizes that they are not working against doctors but working with them to create the best plan for each patient.
A doctor diagnosed McLean at age 26 after she discovered a lump during a self-examination. Feeling lost, she searched for someone to talk to who could provide personal insight and met a therapist who had survived cancer; that moment changed her world.
“The nature of breast cancer is different compared to other cancers,” McLean says. “It takes every part of who you are as a woman—your hair, fertility, intimacy, your breasts; it can destroy a woman’s confidence.”
Something that sounds as promising as the reconstruction of your breasts can come with residual problems that a patient may not have been aware of before the surgery. “When taking a portion of the body for reconstruction, that area of the body’s mobility has been affected,” she says.
“The three major forms of cancer treatment for any type of cancer are surgery to remove cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy,” states Dr. Chang. Before specializing in radiation therapy, he spent his journey researching cancer treatment after losing his father to lymphoma. He eventually was led to the Oklahoma Proton Center, where he now works alongside physician leaders in radiation oncology with a combined 50 years of experience.
Once the surgeon makes a breast cancer diagnosis from a biopsy or the radiologist from mammograms or MRI scans to localize cancer, the cancer’s severity is determined to see if radiation is necessary. Doctors use radiation to eliminate anything leftover when the cancer is severe or after a lumpectomy. Dr. Chang breaks down the process by comparing it to pulling out a weed. “When pulling out a weed like a surgeon pulls out the area of cancer, it doesn’t always get every root. So, when roots are left over, sometimes, you can’t see it.”
Proton radiation is the most sophisticated technology because it is more focused and concentrated to avoid other organs, like your heart or lungs. “With proton therapy, there is less chance of damage, much better preservation of quality of life, and after the patient survives, they don’t have to worry about long-term damages from the treatment,” Dr. Chang states.
McLean also encourages patients to take a holistic approach to treatments. “If your doctor is leading you and they don’t have a holistic approach at the facility, then you as a patient are trying to navigate those treatments on your own,” she says. Project31 has not only become a place for people to be empowered, but they’ve been able to help thousands of patients find different types of treatments, such as physical therapy just for cancer patients.
Paige Sims started Restore Physical Therapy because she saw the need for an oncology rehabilitation clinic. Often, individuals survive cancer, but their restoration and recovery journey is an afterthought. “We base each session on the individual’s needs,” Sims says. “If someone has been on a chemotherapy drug that affects the heart, the session’s focus will be on endurance and stamina.”
“When people leave, they say that physical therapy is the only appointment they feel they have a choice. Every other appointment, you are being prescribed things and getting poked, but each appointment is an emotional highlight of their week. It’s like a support group for patients,” Sims says.
Sims encourages patients to consider physical therapy and wants more women to know that insurance usually covers the visits. The Oklahoma breast cancer community is there for women to rely on and not go through it alone, as too many others have.
Project 31 is hosting Paint the Town Pink on October 22nd at the Will Rogers Theater. For more information visit www.project31.com.
Summer skin care regimens and routines are essential during the hot months, especially in Oklahoma! Maintaining a healthy glow all summer long can be tricky, and increased sun exposure can be very damaging to the skin. Thankfully, Fit City has you covered when it comes to skin health and treatment tips. OKC’s top aestheticians know just the trick to enjoying your time in the sun while maintaining healthy, glowing skin!
A few of the best OKC aestheticians that have some great tips and tricks when it comes to healthy skin treatment are Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics, Fit Spa, and RefineU Medspa.
Keep reading for the best healthy skin tips from some of OKC’s top skin experts.
“Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer by Revision. We love it and use it year round! It’s anti-aging and gives skin a touch of sheer, healthy color. We love that it’s formulated with a blend of three peptides and has UVA and UVB protection.” – Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics
“Sun protection with our Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50 is the number product to use consistently on your skin, especially in the summertime. It’s one of the only clinically proven products that will protect against aging and discoloration due to sun exposure. Adding an antioxidant serum will also boost the efficacy of your SPF while fighting free radical damage.” – Fit Spa
“Topical Vitamin C! Skin is naturally built for repair, but factors in daily life like exposure to sun and pollution generate free radicals that can damage and prematurely age skin. Daily application of Vitamin C helps brighten skin, evens skin tone, increases skin firmness, and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” – RefineU Medspa
“In addition to SPF, make sure you are staying hydrated. This will rejuvenate your skin so it looks and feels smooth and soft. Hydration also improves skin elasticity and balances oil.” – Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics
“Incorporating the double cleanse method at night is super important when we spend extra time in the sun during the day. Double Cleansing will really help with removing excess oil from sweating and the longer wearing makeup we tend to use in the summer.” – Fit Spa
“Sunscreen is a must! My favorite is Intellishade Tru Physical. It is 100% all-mineral SPF with no hidden chemical sunscreens and protects skin from UV rays with broad spectrum SPF 45. Intellishade has five in one anti-aging technology that corrects, protects, conceals, brightens, and hydrates all in one.” – RefineU Medspa
Check out Fit City Magazine for more healthy skin tips from the best OKC aestheticians! You can trust Fit City Magazine to deliver the scoop on everything you need to know about health and wellness, nutrition, beauty, and more in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond. Don’t miss what’s trending next!
John F. Kennedy’s legacy of service to the nation continues to this day. The Santa Fe Family Life Center carries the torch of his name by hosting its annual JFK Community Service Awards Gala at 7 p.m., Sept. 20, at Oklahoma City’s Omni Hotel to recognize Oklahomans whose philanthropy has significantly served their state.
Lou Kerr will receive the Mark Ruffin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Phil Busey and Desmond Mason are this year’s honorees. Benefits go to Santa Fe Family Life Center and its mission to help Oklahomans lead a healthy lifestyle. Programs include adaptable sporting leagues and camps to improve the health and inclusion of Oklahomans with disabilities. It gives back to the community by opening avenues for veterans, wheelchair users, and disabled tennis players by creating a space to have joy in the recreation of life. The SFFLC offers and promotes programs to empower disadvantaged youth and individuals with disabilities to achieve improved fitness and well-being.
Best known for her decades of philanthropic work, Kerr’s leadership with health and human services, arts, culture, and education have contributed to her legacy. As president and CEO of the Kerr Foundation, she has worked to provide grants to community organizations in need of support. Outreach efforts have characterized her life’s work, from food pantries to social welfare initiatives. Kerr is the founder of the annual Oklahoma State University Women’s Business Leadership Conference, now in its 30th year.
Phil Busey will be honored for his work as a co-founder of El Sistema Oklahoma, an after school program for at-risk children centered around music education. Logistical barriers, including access to instruments, academic and nutrition support, and transportation, are resolved through dedicated staff efforts. The non-profit organization aims to provide a supervised arts experience that positively affects other areas of students’ lives and ultimately contributes to students’ leadership abilities as productive citizens. Before founding Delaware Resource Group, a defense contractor firm, Busey practiced law in Oklahoma City for more than 25 years.
Former NBA player Desmond Mason will be honored for his work with the Inasmuch Foundation and as a donor to children’s charities. Since 2004, he has donated proceeds from the Desmond Mason Art Show to non-profit causes worldwide. He founded a studio in Midtown in 2009 to showcase local artists’ work and continues to advocate for children in need.
Matt Bond, executive director of SFFLC, states, “As we come together with our supporters to honor these individuals, we are reminded of the value of service through life-enhancing initiatives. Our work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and sponsors.” Of all the galas Bond has attended, he describes this black-tie event as the best organized and most fun formal event.
To RSVP for the 2022 John K. Kennedy Community Service Awards Gala, please email matt.bonds@sfflc.com, call (405)-840-1817, or visit jfkaward.com.
Not sure what to pack in your hospital delivery bag? We’ve partnered with expert stylist Sarah McDonald, founder of Pivotal Style, to create the most detailed hospital bag essentials checklist to help! Grab all these items and more at Bella Belly in OKC.
A Comfy Robe – Make sure to pack a comfortable robe for post delivery. Through the craziness of labor and recovery it feels so good to have something cozy and that you feel pretty in. It is also an easy way to cover up when you have visitors coming in and out.
PostPartum Recovery Kit – Every new mom’s number one! This helps all the aches and pains that come with post child birth. The foam and ice packs were essential for recovery and comfort!
Comfy take home outfit – This is such an exciting moment. You finally get to bring your sweet baby home! It also feels so good to change out of your hospital clothes and wear something comfy. Grab your favorite maternity joggers and a cozy sweatshirt. You could also bring a “mama” t-shirt announcing your new title!
Cute baby outfit & hat – The possibilities are endless for cute baby take home outfits. I personally loved the cozy bamboo onesie with a fabulous matching hat in case it is chilly out. Make sure your baby is comfy while also ready for all the ‘going home’ photos you will be snapping!
Boppy – This is a game changer! Nursing for the first time can be challenging on its own, so having that extra help to support and situation the baby during feedings with the Boppy was so beneficial! This also will take away from back pain of bending over or sore arms from holding the baby up on your own.
See the full checklist below! Bella Belly works hard to provide resources and valuable items to expecting mothers and new mothers alike. Interested in learning more about Bella Belly’s featured items? Check out their full profile at Fit City Magazine today!
In a world where mobility and comfort are paramount, the expertise of orthopedic specialists is unparalleled. We would like to introduce you to four of Oklahoma City’s eminent orthopedic surgeons that are renowned for their expertise in hand, joint replacement, hip, knee, spine, and related specialties. These dedicated professionals are at the forefront of musculoskeletal care, offering advanced solutions to enhance the quality of life for patients in the region. From intricate surgeries that restore dexterity to cutting-edge joint replacements ensuring a pain-free life, these surgeons excel in various fields.
We have created a guide to help your search for the top orthopedic doctors in OKC become a piece of cake and to spotlight some of the best doctors in the state.
Robert Unsell M.D. is Oklahoma City’s leading orthopedic hand and upper extremities surgeon. Dr. Unsell specializes in the cutting-edge treatment of traumatic and degenerative hand, wrist, elbow, and bicep injuries. He offers over three decades of experience repairing injuries, including carpal tunnel, trigger finger, golf and tennis elbow, and many more. Dr. Unsell also offers a groundbreaking treatment of migraine headaches and venomous spider bites.
Want to learn more about Dr. Unsell’s background and specialties? Get to know him through this Q&A!
What is his specialty? Orthopedic Hand & Upper Extremities Surgeon
Where did he go to medical school? Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
His residency was completed where? Loma Linda University Medical Center
Where did he complete his fellowship? Orthopedic Hand Surgery – Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Where was his second hand fellowship accomplished? Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Unsell and his office take pride in treating every person as a unique individual. They work to uncover their patient’s needs in a friendly, courteous, and respectful manner. His team has been with him for more than ten years, some longer than 15 and 20 years. They strive to get people in the same day or same week they call rather than having them wait for months. “With time and experience, you gain excellence in what you do, and I plan on continuing to do that,” says Dr. Unsell.
We believe Dr. Unsell is one of the top orthopedic doctors in OKC; see for yourself today! Check out our full article about Dr. Unsell in our magazine or visit our website to learn more!
Looking for a new way to relax, increase your energy levels, and boost creativity? Float OKC is the place for you! Discover the many benefits that float therapy bring through Float OKC.
Float OKC is widely known for its next-level relaxation, float therapy, and sensory deprivation. Floating is achieved while lying in highly concentrated salt water. Without the strain of gravity or pressure on many joints, muscles, or tendons, the myoskeletal system has a chance to relax and heal. The physical benefits of floating may include reduced joint, muscle, and nerve pain; more restful sleep; and more energy.
Floatation therapy is scientifically proven to provide numerous benefits for your mind, body, and overall well-being. There are many benefits to floating- mentally and physically!
From improved athletic recovery to relief from chronic pain and inflammation, to help with stress relief, to improvements with insomnia- the list of benefits is endless. Floaters enter the float pod and feel like it is one of the only places on earth where they can completely quiet the mind, shut out sensory distractions, and connect with themselves.
Interested in learning more about Float OKC or ready to experience Oklahoma’s first and oldest floatation therapy center for yourself? Fit City Magazine is here to assist. Just visit Float OKC’s profile today to find out how to book an appointment!
By: Megan Ford
The beauty of the yoga community is that you don’t have to be an expert to benefit from it. At YogaSix located in Chisholm Creek OKC and Nichols Hills, there is a class for everyone, with six core courses offering a specific focus and different body benefits in each. “It’s a communal experience,” Amy Smith Sewell, owner of YogaSix, says.
Sewell has simple advice for first-time yoga goers, “Just show up. Then keep coming.” She goes on to say it’s about consistency. “If there’s a day you aren’t feeling your best or feel like not being seen, those are the most important days to show up.”
After seeing success in Chisholm Creek OKC studio, YogaSix recently expanded into the Nichols Hills area. As you enter the studio, you’ll notice the minimalistic style with white walls and simple flooring and lighting. The team wanted to create an inviting space that “screams self-care.” To promote inclusivity and not limit the studio to members only, they offer one-time visits, class packs, and unlimited classes.
Before opening the Chisholm Creek OKC studio, Sewell knew she wanted to do something rewarding to build a sense of community. She liked the concept of yoga being available for all and wanted to create a studio that isn’t intimidating with the traditional linear aspect of chanting and Sanskrit words. They take more of a tantric perspective that you’re perfect the way you are. “In each moment in liberation, you have connectedness and can align with yourself,” Sewell states. Katie Kanak, a lead teacher, says, “The teachers are offered free yoga alliance monthly certified training and are required to hit quarterly goals. She feels that they have created an environment at the Chisholm Creek OKC and Nichols Hills studios where their students feel their teachers’ evolution.
The long-term vision is to keep building a yoga community atmosphere with excellent programs and opportunities and continue to change lives with the power of the yoga they all practice in their daily lives. “It’s a simple plan, just be there to allow people to find an hour of calm in their week to be in their body on their mat and breathe,” Kanak says.
If you’re interested in taking a class at YogaSix, here’s what to expect in each course:
101: Prepare to slow down and hone in on the foundation and refinement of alignment at a nice, cozy temperature of 80 or 85 degrees.
Slow Flow: Although this one is a slow burn, it’s by no means easy. It starts as a mindful sequencing or flow and then transitions into a power class at 95 to 100 degrees.
Hot Sequence: This is the signature set sequence, being a blend between the Bikram and Ashtanga sequences.
Power: Classes are heated, strength-building, full-body blasts designed to build focus, endurance, and flexibility.
Sculpt and Flow: Brings the best of both worlds of lifting weights and internal training cardio and cooling down with yoga.
Restore: A chill, Zen class where you can hold postures for more extended periods and focus on breathing.
Join the YogaSix Chisholm Creek OKC and Nichols Hills community here, and discover more resources for healthy people here at Fit City! We’re committed to supporting you living your best and healthiest life.
Summertime in Oklahoma usually means blazing heat and high temperatures, which is ideal if you are by a pool! However, sometimes you want to spend the day inside with the air conditioner on full blast. Spending too much time in the sun can be harmful and leave you feeling tired.
We want you and your family to enjoy spending time inside just as much as you enjoy being outside, so we have assembled a list of fun indoor activities that your whole family will love!
Most indoor activities consist of screen time, so we have compiled a list of some indoor activities that are screenless, easy, fun for the whole family, and include household items that you probably already own. Don’t fret- Fit City has a few fun indoor activities up our sleeve to keep your whole family entertained this summer.
Keep reading to discover indoor activities that will entertain children of all ages (and parents, too!)
Check out Fit City Magazine for more fun and easy-at-home activity ideas! We are here to help make the hot summer days more enjoyable, especially with these indoor activity ideas!
Nothing tastes better than a frozen treat on a hot summer day. The best part about homemade popsicle recipes is that they are quick and and easy for the whole family to make together, have a long shelf life, and are the perfect healthy, sweet treat!
A few homemade fruit popsicle ideas:
Triple Berry – A classic berry popsicle that anyone will love! Blend strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or blackberries to make this fun frozen treat.
Rocket Pops – With the Fourth of July being right around the corner, this red, white, and blue popsicle is perfect for the holiday weekend. Layer blueberry purée, coconut milk or yogurt of choice, and strawberry purée to make these festive pops.
*To make homemade popsicles, you will need the ingredients to make the popsicles, a blender, popsicle molds, and a freezer.
Check out Fit City Magazine for more fun and easy at-home summer recipe ideas! We are here to help make the hot summer days more enjoyable, especially with these homemade popsicle recipes!
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