Audi Crooks: Iowa State Cyclone Star Making Waves in March Madness 2025
Audi Crooks, the towering sophomore center for the Iowa State Cyclones, is once again captivating the nation with her dominant performance in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament. After a strong showing in the First Four matchup against Princeton, Crooks and the Cyclones are poised to make a deep run in the tournament, starting with their first-round game against Michigan. Crooks’ presence on the court is undeniable, and her past March Madness heroics have already cemented her as a player to watch.
In the First Four game against Princeton, Crooks led the charge with an impressive 27 points, propelling Iowa State to a 68-63 victory. This performance underscores her importance to the team and her ability to perform under pressure in critical tournament games.
While only a sophomore, Crooks possesses a maturity and skill set that belie her age. Born and raised in Iowa, she has quickly become a hometown hero, representing the state with pride and inspiring young athletes across the region.
Eligibility and Future WNBA Prospects
Audi Crooks, currently 20 years old, has at least two years of college eligibility remaining at Iowa State. This provides Cyclones fans with the exciting prospect of witnessing her continued development and leadership on the court.
However, due to WNBA eligibility rules, Crooks is not eligible for the upcoming draft. The WNBA mandates that domestic draft entrants be at least 22 years old during the draft year and have exhausted their college eligibility or formally renounce any remaining eligibility. Based on these guidelines, Crooks is projected to be eligible for the WNBA Draft in 2027. This anticipation will undoubtedly fuel further excitement and scrutiny as she continues her collegiate career.
Physical Presence and Team Dynamics
Standing tall at 6-foot-3, Crooks is a formidable force in the paint. She shares the title of tallest player on the Iowa State roster with Lily Taulelei, creating a significant size advantage for the Cyclones in many matchups. Her height, combined with her skill and athleticism, makes her a challenging opponent for any defender.
Flashback to 2024: A Breakout Performance
Iowa State garnered national attention during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, largely due to Crooks’ sensational performance against No. 10 Maryland in the first round. In that game, Crooks exploded for 40 points, showcasing her offensive prowess and ability to dominate against top-tier competition.
Her 40-point outburst fell just short of Iowa State’s single-game scoring record of 42 points, set by Tonya Burns in 1984. Additionally, her 18 made field goals in that game established a new program single-game record, demonstrating her efficiency and effectiveness inside the arc.
Notably, Crooks’ 40 points also matched Baylor legend Brittney Griner’s record for the most points scored by a Big 12 player in an NCAA Tournament game, further solidifying her place among the conference’s elite players.
Hometown Hero: Algona Roots and High School Dominance
Audi Crooks hails from Algona, Iowa, where she cultivated her athletic talents at Bishop Garrigan High School. A multi-sport athlete, she excelled in volleyball and track and field, demonstrating her versatility and athleticism across different disciplines.
However, it was on the basketball court where Crooks truly shined. In the 2023 Class 1A state championship game, she delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 49 points and setting an all-class state tournament record. This achievement highlights her exceptional scoring ability and her capacity to perform under immense pressure on the biggest stage in Iowa high school basketball.
More Than Just a Player: Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength
Beyond her athletic achievements, Audi Crooks has also captured the hearts of fans with her vulnerability and resilience. Following her standout performance against Maryland in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Crooks’ postgame news conference resonated deeply with viewers.
When asked about a pre-game ritual in which she stood alone, closed her eyes, and tugged at her jersey, a tearful Crooks shared that she takes a moment before each game to pray and seek guidance from her late father, Jimmie. Jimmie, a former college basketball player himself, passed away in 2021 at the age of 55, when Audi was only 16 years old.
In her own words, Crooks explained, "I just try to kind of take a second and ground myself and tap into my spiritual side and just know that everything’s going to be OK. He’s got the best seat in the house."
These heartfelt words reveal the personal challenges Crooks has overcome and the strength she draws from her faith and her connection with her father. Her story of resilience and unwavering spirit has made her a role model for many, both on and off the court.
Recruiting Pedigree: A Top Prospect
Audi Crooks’ talent and potential were recognized early on. She was ranked as the No. 57 player nationally in the 2023 recruiting class by ESPN, confirming her status as one of the top prospects in the country. This ranking reflects the significant interest she garnered from college programs across the nation and underscores the high expectations surrounding her career.
Looking Ahead: The Road to a Championship
As Audi Crooks and the Iowa State Cyclones navigate the 2025 NCAA Tournament, they face a challenging road ahead. However, with Crooks leading the way, the Cyclones have the potential to make a deep run and compete for a national championship. Her scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive presence make her a complete player, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
More importantly, her leadership qualities and her ability to inspire her teammates will be crucial as they face tough opponents and navigate the pressures of tournament play. The Cyclones’ success will depend heavily on Crooks’ performance, and all eyes will be on her as she seeks to build on her past March Madness triumphs and lead her team to new heights.
The story of Audi Crooks is one of talent, perseverance, and inspiration. She is a rising star in women’s college basketball, and her journey is just beginning. As she continues to develop her skills and embrace her role as a leader, she has the potential to leave a lasting legacy on the sport. For now, the focus is on March Madness and the opportunity to showcase her abilities on the national stage, representing Iowa State with pride and continuing to honor the memory of her father.
