Introduction

Audi Crooks is one of the most talked-about rising stars in women’s college basketball. With a rare blend of height, athleticism, and raw talent, she’s made waves early in her career at Iowa State Cyclones. From her record-breaking high school years to her evolving college journey, fans frequently search for details about her background, fitness journey, and current academic standing. This article delves deep into everything known so far — from nationality and early life to college career, statistics, and even rumors around weight loss and senior status.
Early Life & Background
Audi Crooks was born on December 13, 2004, in Algona, Iowa, USA. She grew up in a deeply athletic family: her father, Jimmie Crooks, was a former high school basketball standout who played collegiately, while her mother, Michelle Vitzthum (Cook), also had a standout basketball career at high school.
From an early age, Crooks was immersed in sports — the driveway of her childhood home was reportedly a makeshift basketball court, where she learned and honed her skills playing against her mother.
This upbringing laid the foundation for what would become one of Iowa’s most prolific high school basketball careers.
High School Legend: Dominance in Multiple Sports
At Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona, Iowa, Crooks didn’t just play basketball — she dominated. Over her high school career:
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She scored a total of 2,734 points and grabbed 1,339 rebounds, placing her among the top players in Iowa girls’ basketball history.
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She set all-time state records in field goals made (1,195) and topped the charts in field-goal percentage (72.4 %) across her career.
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In her senior year, she averaged an astonishing 32.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game, while shooting 75.2 % from the field.
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She helped lead Bishop Garrigan to back-to-back state titles and was honored as Iowa Miss Basketball (2023).
Beyond basketball, Crooks was a multi-sport athlete — she excelled in track & field, winning multiple state titles, including consecutive championships in shot put and discus. She also played volleyball, earning all-conference honors.
Her high school resume wasn’t just about scoring points — it was a demonstration of her athletic versatility, competitive spirit, and dominance across multiple domains.
College Career & Current Year: From Freshman Standout to Junior
In April 2022, Crooks committed to the Iowa State Cyclones, joining their women’s basketball program.
As of 2025-26, she is listed as a Junior in college.
Performance Highlights
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Freshman year (2023–24): As a freshman, Crooks wasted no time making her mark. One of her most memorable games came in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, when she scored 40 points against Maryland — setting a single-game tournament record for freshmen.
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By her sophomore years and into the current season, her performance continued to scale up: official 2025-26 season stats show per-game averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, with an impressive 73.2 % field goal percentage.
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Her consistency and dominance — both in scoring and shooting efficiency — have drawn widespread attention, marking her as one of the elite players in women’s college basketball today.
Beyond the court, Crooks has taken advantage of name-image-likeness (NIL) opportunities: in March 2024, she signed a multiyear NIL deal with ClaimDOC, a medical claim auditing company — making her the brand ambassador and marking her first major endorsement.
Nationality & Identity
Audi Crooks is American by nationality, born and raised in Iowa, USA.
As for ethnicity, reports often mention she has a mixed background, reflecting her parents’ athletic lineage.
Her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in basketball helped shape not just her skills, but also her identity and work ethic — drawing from generational athletic tradition.
What About Weight Loss? — Rumors, Reality & Fitness
One of the recurring curiosities among fans and media relates to Crooks’s weight and whether she has undergone a weight-loss transformation.
Conflicting Reports
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Some sources list her weight at around 98 kg (216 lbs).
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Other reports — often in less reliable outlets — claim that she once weighed significantly more (claims like 240–250 lbs+) before dieting or fitness changes.
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There are widespread rumors and unverified claims about a weight-loss “journey,” but no credible, official source confirms a dramatic transformation.
What We Do Know
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Crooks stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m).
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She continues to perform at an elite level — her high minutes, scoring efficiency, and athletic presence on the court suggest she maintains a strong, functional physique.
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Given the conflicting information about her weight and the lack of official confirmation, it’s best to approach the “weight loss” narrative with skepticism.
In short: while speculation around her weight and body image persists (sometimes fueled by social-media chatter), there is no verified, factual evidence that she has undergone a major weight-loss transformation.
Is Audi Crooks a Senior in College?
As of the 2025-26 season, Audi Crooks is listed as a Junior at Iowa State.
That means she has at least one more year (barring early draft or transfer) before what would traditionally be her senior year.
Because of her accelerated development, talent level, and broader ambitions (both athletically and perhaps professionally), many fans wonder if she might turn pro early. As of now, though, there is no public statement indicating such a move.
Personal Life & Off-Court Impact
Crooks’s life off the court is as interesting as her athletic journey. Some noteworthy points:
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Her jersey number 55 is a tribute to her family — particularly honoring her father.
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Aside from basketball, she’s musically inclined — reportedly played instruments like drums and trumpet back in high school.
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Crooks also appears invested in community and giving back. She is associated with Audi Crooks Foundation, which focuses on providing youth access to education, athletics, and music — reflecting values that go beyond sports.
This rounded approach — blending athletics, personal passion, and community service — speaks to her potential not just as a basketball star, but as a leader and role model.
Why Audi Crooks Matters: Legacy, Potential & Representation
Audi Crooks isn’t just another college athlete rising through the ranks — she represents something bigger. Here’s why she’s drawing widespread attention:
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Historic high school records: Her numbers and dominance at the high school level are almost unprecedented, making her one of the most decorated high school players in Iowa history.
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Early college impact: Few freshmen (or even sophomores) make as immediate a mark in college basketball as Crooks did — from scoring records to consistent elite performance.
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Physicality + skillset: At 6’3” with remarkable athleticism and a versatile background (basketball, track & field, volleyball), she blends power, agility, and athletic IQ.
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Representation & inspiration: For many young athletes — especially girls and women of color — she’s a tangible example of what dedication, upbringing, and hard work can achieve.
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Off-court values: With her foundation and commitment to community upliftment, Crooks shows she’s interested in more than just personal fame: she aims to build a legacy.
Because of all this, many view her as a potential future star — possibly professional — and someone who might shape the future of women’s basketball for years to come.
Common Myths & Misinformation: What to Believe (and What to Question)
| Claim / Rumor | Reality / What’s Known | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| She lost “a lot” of weight — dramatic weight-loss transformation | No credible evidence or official confirmation; conflicting and unverified sources | Probably false / unverified |
| She is already a senior in college | Officially listed as a Junior (2025-26 season) at Iowa State | False |
| Her jersey number 55 is arbitrary | It’s a tribute to her family legacy (especially her late father) | True |
| She’s only good in high school — college is a different level | Her college stats and game performances show elite-level productivity and adaptability | False |
This demonstrates the need to treat sensational claims — especially around weight or appearance — with caution, and to rely instead on verified data: stats, school/team information, credible journalism, and official bios.
FAQs about Audi Crooks
Q: What is Audi Crooks’ nationality?
A: She is American, born in Algona, Iowa.
Q: How tall is Audi Crooks?
A: She stands at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters).
Q: Is Audi Crooks a senior in college as of 2025?
A: No — she is listed as a Junior during the 2025–26 season at Iowa State.
Q: Did Audi Crooks lose a lot of weight recently?
A: There are rumors and unverified claims about a major weight-loss journey, but no credible, official evidence supports a significant transformation.
Q: What team does she play for, and what position?
A: She plays as a Center for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Q: Has she received any NIL deals or endorsements?
A: Yes — she signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with ClaimDOC in March 2024.
Q: What sports did she play in high school besides basketball?
A: She competed in track and field (shot put and discus) and volleyball, showcasing her athletic versatility.
Conclusion
Audi Crooks embodies what many dream of: talent, dedication, versatility, and heart. From a record-shattering high school career to an emerging college star with elite-level stats, her journey is as inspiring as it is impressive. While rumors — especially about weight loss and body transformation — circulate widely, it’s important to rely on verified information. As of now, she remains a junior at Iowa State, with NBA-level potential, an enduring legacy, and a growing role off the court as a community inspirer and athlete-influencer.
As she continues to evolve — both as a player and as a person — there’s little doubt that the story of Audi Crooks is only beginning.
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