Audi Crooks Dominates NCAA Women’s Basketball as a Star for Iowa State

In the ever-evolving world of NCAA women’s basketball, few players have grabbed attention quite like Audi Crooks of the Iowa State Cyclones. The 6-foot-3 junior center has become one of the most electrifying forces in the sport this season, leading her team with jaw-dropping scoring performances and making her mark on Big 12 competition and beyond.

Crooks’ rise isn’t just about points — it’s about consistency, efficiency and a relentless presence in the paint that opponents struggle to contain. Her blend of size, strength and skill has made her a weekly topic of national basketball conversation and a growing candidate for All-America honors.

Record-Breaking Performances and Scoring Prowess

From the outset of the 2025-26 season, Crooks has shown she’s capable of putting up huge numbers night after night. One of her most memorable displays came in late November, when she exploded for 47 points against the then-undefeated Indiana Hoosiers — smashing the Iowa State single-game scoring record and dominating a matchup that catapulted her name into national headlines.

That performance wasn’t a one-off. Crooks has been a consistent double-figure scorer in every game this season, a hallmark of her career dating back to previous campaigns. Her scoring average — among the highest in women’s college basketball — reflects not only her offensive talent but her ability to carry a heavy load for her team.

Statistically, Crooks has been a standout in nearly every category. She has drained points at an efficient rate while also contributing rebounds and defensive plays that make her a true two-way player. Her offensive game combines traditional post play with the ability to shoot efficiently and draw fouls, making her difficult to guard no matter the defensive scheme.

Leadership Through Adversity

Crooks’ individual brilliance has often been a beacon for the Cyclones during tough stretches. While Iowa State has faced ups and downs — including injuries to key teammates and a mid-season skid — Crooks has consistently led the way. In pivotal wins over former rivals and tough Big 12 foes, she’s often been the go-to option down the stretch, scoring, rebounding and making winning plays when her team needs it most.

Her scoring totals are historic not just for this season, but for her program’s record books. Over her career, Crooks has scored in double figures in every game in which she’s appeared, a rare feat that highlights both her durability and elite scoring instincts.

Versatility and Style of Play

What makes Crooks such a compelling player isn’t just the volume of her scoring, but how she gets it. Operating primarily in the low post, she uses her size to score over defenders and create mismatches inside. Yet she also showcases touch around the rim and an ability to finish through contact. That combination allows her to dominate inside even when teams throw multiple defenders at her.

Her efficiency — often shooting at a high percentage from the field — makes her one of the most productive offensive players in the country. In an era where shot distribution and spacing dominate, Crooks’ ability to score with such efficiency inside is a throwback to traditional post dominance while still being effective in today’s game.

National Recognition and Broader Impact

Crooks’ performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Analysts, commentators and fans have pointed to her as one of the most exciting players in women’s basketball, with some even making bold predictions about her potential at the professional level. Her dominance on the court has sparked conversations around player of the year honors and draft projections, showcasing the broad respect she’s earning across the sport.

Off the court, Crooks has also engaged with topics beyond basketball, including candid discussions about body image and athleticism that have resonated with fans nationwide. Her confidence and openness in bridging sport with broader cultural conversations further elevate her presence as a role model and public figure.

Looking Ahead

As the Big 12 season progresses and NCAA Tournament talk heats up, all eyes will continue to be on Crooks and her Cyclones. With her ability to take over games and spark electric performances, she remains a central figure in Iowa State’s hopes for postseason success. Whether it’s leading the charge in pivotal matchups, breaking records or simply producing game after game at an elite level, Audi Crooks’ impact on women’s college basketball — and her school’s legacy — is unmistakable.