Timmy Time

Growing up in Rapid City, South Dakota gave Haleigh Timmer a foundation that still shapes who she is today, as she suits up in orange and black at Oklahoma State in the midst of her final collegiate season.

While many people from Oklahoma might picture South Dakota as drastically different, Timmer says the similarities outweigh the differences.

"Honestly, pretty similar to Oklahoma more than you would think, the people are really nice and there's a lot of space," she said.

What truly set her childhood apart, however, was the setting. Raised in the Black Hills, Timmer spent weekends camping, hiking, boating, and spending time outdoors.

"It was just really fun to grow up in the Black Hills. I loved it there," she said.

That active, outdoors-heavy lifestyle carried over naturally into sports. Timmer tried just about everything growing up — anything from gymnastics, to t ball, soccer, volleyball, track and cross country before basketball ultimately won out.

In the end, it was basketball which ultimately won her over with the combination of natural ability and love for the game kept her coming back day after day.

"I just always loved it ever since I first started playing it in third grade," Timmer said.

There wasn't one defining moment when Timmer realized college basketball was realistic, but the opportunities began to reveal themselves. Playing AAU for North Tartan in Minnesota proved pivotal. Still, Timmer stayed focused on enjoying the process rather than chasing outcomes.

"I think that's when I realized that maybe I would have more opportunities after high school," she said. "I was just very present and focused on getting better and just enjoying the process."

That mindset carried her to South Dakota State, where playing for her home state felt meaningful.

"Playing for your home state is always a cool experience," she said, noting the family connection as well as both of her parents attended SDSU.

Once on campus, the experience exceeded expectations.

"The fanbase there is incredible, especially in a women's sport," Timmer said.

Success followed, and winning became a familiar feeling. During three seasons on the floor for the Jackrabbits, Timmer helped SDSU win 82 percent of its games and earned all-league status on multiple occasions while scoring more than 1,100 points.

However, amid the highs, adversity eventually arrived with a significant injury forcing Timmer to sit out for the first extended period of her basketball life. She would miss the 2023-24 season.

"There has not been a time in my whole life where I have had to like to sit out for more than a week," she said.

The experience forced her to confront how much of her identity was tied to the game. During that time away, Timmer leaned heavily into her faith, finding clarity beyond performance.

"My identity is not in my performance. God has so much more for us just outside of the sport," she explained.

Watching from the sidelines also gave her a new understanding of the game and helped her become a better player.

After enjoying an accomplished career in her home state, Timmer faced a difficult decision: whether to stay or step into the unknown. Academically, she felt uncertain about her path in math and data science. Basketball-wise, she felt ready for more.

Timmer took a leap of faith and entered the transfer portal. What followed was overwhelming.

"My phone started to blow up immediately," she said.

Among the many calls was one from Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt, a call Timmer initially ignored. It was Timmer's SDSU squad which had just recently eliminated the Cowgirls from the NCAA Tournament and caused her to wonder how she would be received in Stillwater.

"I was like, this is weird. I am absolutely not gonna text her back," Timmer admitted.

Encouragement from her AAU coach led her to make the call and everything changed.

"It was just an overwhelming peace," she said and within days she was on campus in Stillwater. "After I came here, I was like, yes, this is exactly like what I'm looking for."

The visit confirmed what she felt. The community reminded her of home. The culture, intentional coaching, faith-centered leadership, and up-tempo style all aligned.

"Really, really reminded me of like a lot of the things I loved about SDSU. It was very clear this is where God wanted me," Timmer said.

The transition has proven smoother than expected with the team's emphasis on connection making the adjustment seamless. Now wearing an Oklahoma State uniform, Gallagher-Iba Arena feels like home.

"Relationships are the most important part of a place, and ever since the first game, it's honestly just felt like home," Timmer said.

Timmer and the historic white maple floor inside Gallagher-Iba Arena have been a perfect match. She has emerged not only as one of the team's leading scorers at more than 14 points per contest. Timmer is one of the nation's most prolific 3-point shooters, ranking among the nation's leaders in made 3-pointers and 3-point field goal percentage.

As a fifth-year player, Timmer also embraces her leadership role naturally.

"I think there is a lot of perspective that I have just with winning and success," she said. Her calm presence, especially in pressure moments, is what she believes she brings most.

With just one year left, Timmer's goals are simple but meaningful. More than anything, she wants relationships that last and a joyful new chapter with the game she loves.

For Haleigh Timmer, the journey from the Black Hills to Stillwater has not been about chasing the next step; it has been about trusting it.

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