In an era when the NCAA transfer portal resembles a revolving door of talent, Iowa State’s basketball sensation Audi Crooks has chosen loyalty over opportunity. The 6’3″ center, nicknamed “Female Shaq” for her dominant paint presence, officially announced on March 30 that she’ll return to the Cyclones for her junior season in 2025-26.
Social media buzzed with speculation about Crooks potentially joining powerhouses like South Carolina or LSU for a better shot at a championship. The Algona, Iowa native silenced rumors with a powerful statement: “The grass is greener where you water it.” Her decision represents a significant victory for Iowa State’s program and fans still reeling from their first-round NCAA Tournament exit.
The Phenomenal Rise of Iowa’s Small-Town Star
Crooks’ journey from Bishop Garrigan High School to Big 12 stardom reads like a basketball fairy tale. After scoring 2,734 points in high school, the third most in Iowa girls’ basketball history, skeptics questioned whether her dominance would translate from Iowa’s smallest classification to Division I competition.
NEWS: Audi Crooks announces she’s returning to Iowa State next season. pic.twitter.com/MbGgulG4qw
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) March 30, 2025
But at Iowa State, she quickly proved her doubters wrong. Her record-shattering freshman campaign saw her average 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 57.7%. Her sophomore season proved even more impressive, with averages of 23.3 points and 8.1 rebounds on 59.7% shooting. She became the fastest Cyclone to reach 1,000 career points, doing so in just 49 games.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Transfer Portal
Her “Female Shaq” persona, endorsed by NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, reflects her physical dominance in the post, exceptional scoring efficiency, and charismatic personality that connects with fans. Her commanding presence in the paint has proven challenging for opponents to contain, with one coach quipping that the only effective defensive strategy might be “locking her in a closet.”
With teammate Addy Brown also returning, Iowa State retains a formidable frontcourt that positions the Cyclones as serious contenders in the Big 12 next season. The team will feature six returning starters, including fifth-year guard Emily Ryan and promising freshmen Arianna Jackson and Kelsey Joens.
At just 20 years old with two more seasons of eligibility, Crooks has unfinished business in Ames. Her commitment to Iowa State located just two hours from her hometown signals championship aspirations and determination to leave a lasting legacy.
KEEP READING: Who Are Audi Crooks’ Parents? A Look at Her Family and Their Basketball Legacy
As Caitlin Clark’s departure to the WNBA creates a cultural vacuum in Iowa basketball, Crooks stands poised to become the state’s next basketball icon, carrying the torch for a new generation of women’s hoops fans.
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