The Cyclone Force: Audi Crooks’ Unstoppable Rise in Women’s College Basketball

Audi Rae Crooks isn’t just a powerful center for the Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team; she is a force of nature who redefined what an Iowa high school legend could become at the collegiate level.

Her journey, from setting seemingly unbreakable records in a small town to dominating the Big 12, is a masterclass in proving doubters wrong.

More than just Audi Crooks stats, her story is about finding strength in loss, battling personal challenges like Audi Crooks weight loss, and embracing a relentless, inside-the-paint style of basketball that is both classic and electrifying.

The 47-Point Statement: Dominance Defined

The conversation around Audi Crooks changed forever on a late November day in 2025. Facing a tough opponent, the then-junior didn’t just win; she delivered a performance for the ages.

Crooks exploded for a school-record 47 points on a hyper-efficient 19-of-25 shooting from the field.

It was her third 40-point game, showcasing a blend of improved footwork, patience, and pure, unstoppable power in the post.

This was the moment the nation realized the Iowa State star wasn’t just a great player—she was becoming an all-time great.

A Career of Record-Breaking: The Numbers Tell the Story

A Foundation Built in Loss: The Crooks Family Legacy

Audi Crooks’ journey is deeply rooted in her hometown of Algona, Iowa, and the inspiring lives of her parents, Jimmie and Michelle Crooks. She was born December 13, 2004, and her real name is Audi Rae Crooks.

The most powerful element of her narrative is the inspiration she draws from her late father, Jimmie. After his passing, Audi used her drive on the court as a way to honor his memory.

She has often spoken about how her father was her biggest supporter, a theme that adds a profound emotional depth to every basket she scores for the Cyclones.

• A Mother’s Record: Her mother, Michelle, was also a standout basketball player at Bishop Garrigan High School. In a beautiful twist of fate, Audi broke the school record for single-season field goal percentage that was previously held by her mother.

• Hometown Hero: Before the bright lights of NCAA women’s basketball, Audi led Bishop Garrigan to back-to-back state titles and was named Iowa Miss Basketball in 2023. She finished her high school career third all-time in state history for both points and rebounds, a truly exceptional feat.

While her official Audi Crooks ethnicity is often simply listed as American, her roots and upbringing in Algona, Iowa, are central to her identity as a Midwestern phenom.

A Transformation of Will: The 45-Pound Shift

One of the most humanizing and inspiring aspects of Crooks’ story is her intentional physical transformation. Fans searching, “Did Audi Crooks lose weight?” will find an impressive testament to dedication and mindset.

Over a period of about 12 months, Crooks dedicated herself to a significant health and fitness change, shedding approximately 45 pounds, dropping from 250 lbs to 205 lbs. This was not a quick fix but a holistic change.

“The weight loss was just part of it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be the athlete and the person I knew I could be.”

This physical shift directly translated to her dominance on the court. She has publicly credited the change to:

• Balanced Nutrition: Focusing on lean proteins, whole grains, and cutting down on processed sugars.

• Consistent Training: Incorporating rigorous strength training and cardio.

• Mental Toughness: Shifting her mindset from self-doubt to empowerment.

This commitment gave her better endurance, speed, and agility, directly contributing to her phenomenal Audi Crooks stats and ability to sustain her post presence throughout entire games.

The Rivalry That Defines a State: Iowa vs. Iowa State

No profile of an Iowa State star is complete without discussing the most talked-about game in the state: Iowa vs. Iowa State women’s basketball.

These in-state clashes are intense, highly-watched battles. The rivalry highlights the two premier programs in the state, often creating a fever-pitch atmosphere where legends are made.

The Duel with the Hawkeyes

In a memorable showdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, Crooks stepped up as a leader.

Facing off against other elite post players, such as Hannah Stuelke and others, Crooks has consistently used the rivalry game to showcase her elite talent.

She recorded a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double in a major 2024 showdown, demonstrating that she shines brightest on the biggest stage.

For fans of NCAA women’s basketball, the Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball game is a calendar highlight, and Crooks has cemented herself as one of the central figures in this modern-day chapter of the contest.

College Career Milestones: Honors and Accolades

Audi Crooks’ collegiate career has been a rapid-fire succession of awards and milestones, establishing her as one of the most decorated players in the country.

Freshman and Sophomore Dominance

• Freshman All-American: She became the first-ever Iowa State freshman to earn an All-American nod.

• The 40-Point Breakout: Her phenomenal 40-point performance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament against Maryland, shooting 18-of-20 from the floor, turned her into a national sensation overnight. Only Bill Walton has a comparable 40-point, 90%+ shooting performance in an NCAA Tournament game.

• First Team All-Big 12: Crooks earned the honor unanimously in both her freshman and sophomore seasons (2024, 2025).

• Big 12 All-Freshman Team: A unanimous selection, showcasing her immediate impact.

• National Watch Lists: She has been consistently named to the Wooden Award Late Season Watch List and the Naismith Trophy Midseason Team.

The WNBA Question: Will Audi Crooks Be Drafted?

The ultimate question for any college star is their professional future. As a dominant, traditional center, the discussion around “Will Audi Crooks be drafted?” is complex and fascinating.

Draft Projections and Player Profile

Scouts are closely watching her junior and senior development. If she continues to refine her perimeter defense and perhaps adds a consistent three-point threat, she will be an absolute lock and highly sought-after in the WNBA Draft.

Off the Court: Personal Details and Influence

While her game is powerful, Audi’s influence extends beyond the court. She carries herself with a notable mix of intensity and humility, often focusing on teamwork over individual praise.

When asked about her record-breaking 43-point game, she stated, “Of course it’s an honor to be etched in school history, but it’s about who did it with you“—a perfect example of her team-first attitude.

Quick Facts

• Birth Date: December 13, 2004 (Audi Crooks age is 21 years, as of late 2025).

• Listed Height: 6-foot-3 inches (1.91 m).

• Position: Center.

• Shoe Size: Concrete data on Audi Crooks shoe size is difficult to verify, but given her height and position, she likely wears a size 12-14 in women’s, similar to other professional centers.

• Net Worth: Given that she is currently a college athlete in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, her Audi Crooks net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, based on her high profile, national visibility, and record-breaking stats, her estimated annual NIL value is likely in the low to mid six-figure range through endorsements and appearances.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Audi Crooks is known for being one of the most dominant and efficient interior scorers in college basketball.

She has single-handedly brought a level of national attention to Iowa State women’s basketball rarely seen before, captivating fans through her relentless play in the paint.

Her legacy will be defined not just by the sheer volume of points she scores, but by the inspiration she draws from her family and the courage she showed in transforming her body and her game.

As she continues her career, she remains the focal point for opponents and the driving force for the Cyclones.

What new records will she set? How will her presence shape the NCAA women’s basketball tournament landscape? The basketball world is waiting to see the next chapter in the book of the Cyclone Force.

Audi Crooks: At a Glance (Summary Table)

Sources & Further Reading

1. Iowa State Athletics – Audi Crooks Player Profile

2. The Des Moines Register – Feature on Crooks’ Family and High School Career.

3. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Stat Tracker.

4. Sports Illustrated – Report on Crooks’ School Scoring Record.

5. Yahoo Sports – Analysis of Crooks’ Dominance and Efficiency.

6. USA Basketball – Audi Crooks Profile and International Experience.

7. NCAA Women’s Basketball – Official Statistical Rankings.

8. The Ames Tribune – Coverage of Iowa vs. Iowa State Women’s Basketball.