In the high-stakes world of collegiate sports, where narratives are often defined by relentless comparisons and superficial analysis, Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks is building a legacy defined by sheer, unadulterated dominance. She is not just scoring points; she is dismantling the conventional notions of what a superstar athlete should look like, how she should play, and how she should respond to her critics.
The Numbers Game: Record-Breaking Efficiency
At 6-foot-3 and nearly 220 pounds, Crooks’ physical presence is undeniable, yet it is her technical prowess that truly sets her apart. She recently delivered a historic performance, dropping 41 points in a single contest against Kansas, a scoring feat that tied the Big 12 record for the most points in a regular season game—a benchmark untouched since 1984. This accomplishment was not an isolated incident; it was Crooks’ fourth consecutive game scoring 30 points or more, placing her among only five players in the last 15 years of women’s college basketball to achieve such a streak.
Yet, where success reigns, scrutiny inevitably follows. Crooks has faced criticism suggesting her scoring is merely the result of proximity to the basket—easy layups facilitated by her size. Her response to this technical critique is wonderfully pragmatic, bordering on dismissive:
“Sometimes they say that all I do is score easy buckets under the basket. I say this with the utmost humility: it works.”
This pragmatic attitude underscores a maturity beyond her 20 years. Her game is described by observers, including former NBA star Kevin Garnett, not as brute force, but as “old-school fundamentals combined with next-generation dominance.” She embraces her physicality and uses it as a strategic asset, leveraging footwork and positioning rather than relying solely on vertical explosiveness—a testament to effective basketball fundamentals.
Beyond the Body Image: Fighting the Haters with Kindness
Crooks’ journey to collegiate stardom began early, placing her under the unforgiving microscope of social media while she was still a pre-teen. At 13, she recalled seeing adults commenting on her body rather than her game after ESPN first posted about her. This exposure to online cruelty, often referred to as body shaming, was overwhelming.
“No one is prepared for something like that,” she admitted. In an era obsessed with virtual presentation, Crooks became a target. However, she found her defense mechanism not on the court, but through the enduring wisdom of her family. Her mother provided a crucial piece of counsel that became Crooks’ mantra:
“Just try to kill them with kindness, because that way you won`t give them ammunition to fire back.”
This advice shaped her public persona. Crooks consciously chooses to focus on what brings her joy and positivity, rather than the negative noise of anonymous commenters. As she stated: “The things that are constant in your life, the things that bring you joy and positivity, the things you excel at and are working on—these are the things that should shape you. Not the others.”
A Player of Depth: Music, Justice, and Legacy
To view Audi Crooks merely as a basketball center is to miss the extensive breadth of her talent and ambition. She is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice and sociology at Iowa State, indicating an intellectual curiosity that extends well beyond the hardwood.
Before basketball became her primary focus, Crooks was deeply involved in music. She played five instruments, including the trumpet in the school band and the drums in church. She also excelled in field athletics, winning three state titles in shot put. This background reveals a highly disciplined and multifaceted individual, capable of excelling across various competitive and artistic arenas.
Her choice of Iowa State was also deeply personal. Recruited heavily by top universities, she chose the Cyclones because the coaching staff, led by Bill Fennelly, made her feel “loved as a person, not just for what I do on a basketball court.” The staff even defended her publicly, emphasizing that they were recruiting a star, not a bench warmer—a strong validation against her early critics.
Honoring the Past, Defining the Future
Crooks’ connection to her family legacy is a cornerstone of her identity. She wears the number 55, honoring both her father, Jimmie Crooks (a basketball standout who battled severe health issues until his death in 2021), and her mother, Michelle Vitzthum (an all-time leading scorer for her high school team). She grew up assisting her father, whose memory she keeps close through a tattoo on her arm: the word `Pops` inked alongside a halo, wings, and his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This constant spiritual and familial reminder anchors her. Audi Crooks is proving that dominance in modern NCAA basketball is not only about physical attributes or effortless scoring, but also about mental toughness, unwavering dedication to craft, and the quiet dignity of focusing on your game while the rest of the world debates your image. She is carving out a niche where size is a superpower, and kindness is the ultimate defensive strategy.
Adrian Whitmore