When Kenny Gajewski arrived in Stillwater in 2016, he made a promise to be the best Cowboy he could be. The former baseball player turned softball coach inherited a program that went 3-13 in Big 12 play the year before, but during his tenure, they’ve become perennial championship contenders. This year, Oklahoma State is a unanimous preseason top-three team. However, Gajewski is quick to remind his players who they are chasing and that they are the hunters. Not the hunted. The expectations for the Cowgirls entering the 2023 season are high. Yet, Gajewski hasn’t set any goals. He’s leaving it up to his team to decide how far they want to go.

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CREDITS:

Host: Meghan Robinson (@megrobs11)

Coordinating Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

The Pokes Pod is a presentation of OSU Athletics, Sport & Story, and Learfield. 

Bryce Thompson believes basketball is his purpose. In high school, he was a McDonald’s All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year and unanimous choice for Oklahoma High School Player of the Year. However, being a highly touted recruit comes with high expectations. The junior guard channels out the noise and puts in the work. As a sixth grader, he’d wake up at 5am to train with his dad. Thompson has maintained the same work ethic over the years. He’ll even make the trip home to Tulsa whenever he can—to get more training in with his dad. Down the line, Thompson sees a possible career in forensics. For now, he’s focused on doing big things in basketball.

Lior Garzon is one of four international players on the Oklahoma State women’s basketball team. She grew up outside of Tel Aviv, Israel. Adjusting to life in America was hard. Adjusting her game to fit the American style was even harder. Garzon is already a member of the Israeli National Team. She won a bronze medal at the Women’s European Championship in 2018. She even has dreams of playing the in WNBA. Every time Garzon takes the court she knows she’s representing more than herself. Garzon has put together an impressive resume over her basketball career. However, there are a few more Championships she’d like to add to her portfolio.

Avery Anderson is a product of the Texas Basketball Circuit. However, Anderson will be the first to tell you New Orleans is home. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced his family to evacuate. They eventually settled in Texas. That is where Anderson’s basketball career took off. He led his high school team to a state title appearance. He was named his district’s MVP as a junior and senior. He owns the Northwest High School scoring record with 2,767 career points. He set at least 5 other records. Don’t expect them to be broken anytime soon. Anderson has come a long way from the quiet freshman who first walked in the door. He’s now a senior leader, hoping to finish his career in Stillwater strong.

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