In the high-stakes world of NCAA basketball, talent often comes wrapped in controversy. Few athletes embody this duality quite like Audi Crooks, the formidable center for the Iowa State Cyclones. While her performance on the court has been historically dominant, setting records that stretch back decades, her journey has been perpetually shadowed by external, often petty, criticism regarding her physique. Crooks, however, is not merely playing basketball; she is executing a masterclass in resilience, turning every critique into fuel for dominance.
The Irrefutable Mathematics of Performance
At 6-foot-3 and nearly 220 pounds, Crooks possesses a power game that is a throwback to basketball’s robust foundations. Her scoring output is not just impressive; it is statistically anomalous. Recently, she exploded for 41 points in a single game, tying a Big 12 regular season scoring record previously untouched since 1984. This achievement was not an isolated event; it was the capstone of a remarkable run, making her one of only five players in the last 15 years in women`s college basketball to record four consecutive games with 30 or more points.
Yet, the conversation invariably drifts from her production to her style. Critics often dismiss her scoring as facile, suggesting her points come exclusively from ‘easy buckets’ right under the basket. Crooks’ measured and highly effective reply highlights her technical pragmatism:
“Sometimes they say that all I do is score easy points under the basket. I say this with the utmost humility: it works.”
This pragmatic approach underscores the reality that in competitive sports, efficiency triumphs over flashiness. Her fundamental skills, leveraging her size and excellent footwork, are precisely what make her unstoppable.
Beyond the Nickname: The Burden of Appearance
The label that has most frequently followed Crooks is «Lady Shaq»—a comparison intended to encapsulate her physical dominance, but one that ultimately reduces her complexity to a male analogue. While former NBA great Kevin Garnett praised her rare combination of “old-school fundamentals combined with new-generation dominance,” the focus on her body began long before her college career.
As a young teenager, when ESPN first featured her, the experience of being scrutinized by adults was overwhelming. She noted that people often discussed her body more than her actual game, something no 13-year-old is prepared to handle. This wave of online negativity, or «haters,» became a harsh early lesson in public life.
In response to this noise, Crooks adopted a philosophy given to her by her mother, a powerful lesson in emotional control and strategic engagement:
“Just try to kill them with kindness, because that way you won`t give them ammunition to react.”
This strategy of non-reaction is arguably as powerful as her spin move in the low post. By excelling in her craft and refusing to grant validity to superficial attacks, she neutralizes the criticism and directs the focus back to where it belongs: the scoreboard.
The Multidimensional Athlete and Scholar
Audi Crooks is not defined solely by basketball. Her life reflects a broad curiosity and commitment to excellence across varied disciplines. She is an accomplished musician, proficient in playing five different instruments, including the trumpet in her school jazz band and drums in church. She also excelled in field sports, achieving three state championships in the shot put.
Academically, she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and sociology at Iowa State. Her decision to attend Iowa State was deeply personal and speaks volumes about her character. Coaches Bill Fennelly and his staff committed to recruiting her not just as an athlete, but as a person, offering her genuine support and defense against early critics. This environment of respect was paramount:
“I chose Iowa State because they made me feel loved as a person, not just for what I do on a basketball court.”
The Legacy of Number 55
At the core of Crooks’ drive is a profound dedication to her family, particularly her late father, Jimmie Crooks, who was a basketball star himself. Jimmie suffered from numerous health challenges, including daily dialysis and mobility issues. Audi actively cared for him, helping with chores and transport until his passing in 2021.
To honor his memory, Crooks wears jersey number 55, the same number worn by both her parents (her mother, Michelle Vitzthum, was also a standout scorer). On her arm, she carries a tattoo: `Pops,` an angel wing, a halo, and her father’s favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This tattoo serves as a constant spiritual reminder. Her success on the court is inextricably linked to this personal narrative of love and perseverance, proving that the greatest athletes often draw their deepest strength not from physical conditioning, but from unwavering personal commitment and heart.
Audi Crooks is more than a powerful center; she is a case study in how to professionally and gracefully silence negativity. By embracing her physical gifts and coupling them with unmatched skill and mental fortitude, she is setting a new standard for dominance in women’s college basketball, proving that authenticity and execution are the ultimate response to any critic.
Elton Marrow