When it comes to making an immediate impact in college basketball, few players have done it as effortlessly as Iowa State’s Audi Crooks. Whether it was her stellar freshman season or an even more dominant sophomore campaign, she kept buzzing.
Crooks has proven that she is not just a rising star—she is a powerhouse. Now, with national recognition and a growing legacy, she leads the Cyclones into the NCAA Tournament.
Audi Crooks Leads Iowa State into NCAA Tournament
The NCAA March Madness social media page recently highlighted Crooks in their video series, Next Generation. That’s where fellow players and analysts lauded her contributions to the game.
The feature painted an inspiring picture of Crooks, showcasing both her dominance on the court and her infectious energy off it. “I think the biggest thing with Audi is that she loves life,” a fellow player stated.
“I think the biggest thing with Audi is that she loves life.”
Go behind the scenes with Iowa State sophomore center Audi Crooks and the road that lead her to be part of one of the most standout classes in women’s hoops. From her iconic 40-point tournament performance as a… pic.twitter.com/52Z49vdLuq
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 5, 2025
Ever since her high school days, Crooks has been a force to be reckoned with, whether she was dominating the paint or competing in the shot-put ring. Her transition to college basketball was nothing short of remarkable.
As a freshman, she shattered expectations, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 57.7% from the field. Not only that, she also earned the distinction of being Iowa State’s first-ever freshman All-American.
Now, in her sophomore season, Crooks has taken her game to another level. She has become the centerpiece of the Cyclones’ offense, averaging 23.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while maintaining a stellar 59.7% shooting percentage.
Her ability to control the paint has made her one of the most challenging matchups in the Big 12. Her name is now appearing on multiple national award watch lists.
If Crooks’ freshman year was about proving she belonged at the collegiate level, her sophomore season has been about proving she is among the best in the nation. Entering the year with heightened expectations, she knew she would be at the top of every opponent’s scouting report.
Teams attempted to throw double-teams at her, but Crooks found ways to adjust, becoming even more lethal with her footwork and finishing ability.
Her growth has not gone unnoticed. Crooks was named to the USA TODAY Sports Network All-Big 12 First Team, an honor given to the best players in the conference. The selection process, voted on by a panel of women’s basketball reporters, recognized her dominant presence and game-changing performances throughout the season.
“That freshman (to) sophomore year is a really, really big gap that’s kind of the telltale sign if a player’s going to continue to evolve or grow or not, and I think I did that in a variety of ways this year,” Crooks reflected.
Crooks’ Impact Extends Beyond the Court
A native of Algona, Iowa, Crooks has become a fan favorite for her toughness and elite scoring ability. She led the entire Big 12 in scoring while ranking second in field-goal percentage and sixth in rebounds.
Her consistency and ability to control the paint have made her one of the most dangerous players in the league, setting her apart as one of the premier centers in college basketball.
With Iowa State heading into the NCAA Tournament, Crooks’ leadership will be crucial. Her ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments could be the difference-maker for the Cyclones. Beyond the statistics and accolades, her presence gives Iowa State a legitimate shot at making a deep run in March Madness.
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Her journey is just beginning, but Crooks has already solidified herself as one of the most dominant post players in the country. With two years left in her collegiate career, the sky is the limit.
Whether she is breaking records or inspiring the next generation of basketball players, Audi Crooks is leaving a lasting legacy at Iowa State—and she is only getting started.
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