Introduction
Audi Crooks is one of the most talked-about names in women’s college basketball today. Standing at 6′3″ and playing center for Iowa State Cyclones, she combines size, skill, and a compelling personal story rooted in family and heritage. In this article, we dive into everything from her ethnicity and background, to how much she weighs, how tall she is, and the story of her father — providing a comprehensive snapshot of who she is both on and off the court.
Early Life & Background
Audi Crooks grew up in Algona, Iowa — a small town that played a big role in shaping her athletic identity. She attended Bishop Garrigan High School, where she not only excelled in basketball but also competed in track & field (shot put and discus) and volleyball.
Basketball essentially runs in her blood. Her mother, Michelle Cook (née Vitzthum), was one of the top scorers in Bishop Garrigan’s history. Her father, Jimmie Crooks, was also a high school and college basketball player.
Audi has spoken about practicing with her mom on a driveway hoop and learning from both parents — a childhood steeped in basketball.
Ethnicity & Nationality
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Nationality: American.
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Ethnicity: Mixed-race. Her father, Jimmie Crooks, was Black; her mother, Michelle Cook, is white.
Thus, Audi represents a mixed-heritage background, reflecting a blend of cultures inherited from both parents.
Beyond that basic fact of race, Audi has spoken about how her upbringing in a tight-knit community and family traditions shaped who she is — both mentally and athletically.
Physical Attributes — How Big Is Audi Crooks?
Height
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Audi Crooks stands at 6 feet 3 inches (about 191 cm).
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That height gives her a significant advantage on the basketball court — especially playing center, where reach, presence, and physical dominance matter.
Weight
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Some public sources list her weight at about 98 kg (around 216 lbs).
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However, there is no universally agreed “official” weight disclosed for her. Some articles note “weight not publicly disclosed,” emphasizing instead her athletic build and performance.
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Because of conflicting or unverified reports, it’s safer to say that while approximate weights exist, they may not be exact or current. Many sources emphasize her strength, presence, and physical style of play rather than fixating on a number.
On-Court Presence
Her combination of height, strength, and skill makes her a formidable presence in the paint — often described as powerful, dominant, and sometimes compared to “big bodies” in men’s basketball because of her size advantage.
Career Highlights & Athletic Achievements
Audi’s athletic resume — even before college — is impressive:
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In high school, she didn’t just dominate basketball: she also competed in track & field (shot put and discus) and volleyball.
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She was named Iowa Miss Basketball as a senior — a recognition of being the top high-school basketball player in Iowa.
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She committed to the Iowa State Cyclones and is now playing at the collegiate level, serving as a center (#55).
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Her 2025–26 season stats highlight her dominance: she reportedly leads her team in scoring (PTS: 27.6), and maintains high field goal percentages and solid rebounds.
Her on-court performance combined with her physique makes her stand out — a reflection of her upbringing, disciplined training, and natural athletic ability.
Family & Father’s Legacy
Her Father: Jimmie Crooks
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Audi Crooks’ father, Jimmie, was a talented basketball player in his own right — playing high school ball at Fort Dodge Senior High, and later at colleges including Mankato State and Southern Nazarene University.
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He passed away on 14 August 2021, at age 54 — a loss that deeply affected Audi.
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Audi honors both her parents’ legacy: she wears jersey number 55 (a tribute to her parents, who both wore 55).
Her Upbringing & Motivation
Growing up, Audi often practiced with her mom, shooting hoops — but also drew inspiration from her dad’s playing style and work ethic. That foundation helped shape her into a fierce competitor.
The loss of her father during her teenage years was a turning point; many articles note how she channels that personal loss into on-court drive and resilience.
Why Her Ethnicity & Background Matter
In a sport where representation matters, Audi Crooks stands out — not just for her athletic ability, but also for being a mixed-race athlete in women’s college basketball.
Her story resonates across multiple dimensions:
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Representation: She shows that athletes come from diverse backgrounds and breaks stereotypes about who can succeed in high-level women’s sports.
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Inspiration: For young athletes — especially from mixed backgrounds or minority communities — she is a reminder that heritage does not limit potential.
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Legacy & Identity: By honoring her parents’ legacy (through jersey number, work ethic, and love for the game), she bridges generations — giving weight to family influence in athletic achievement.
Challenges & Public Perception
Because of her size and build, Audi Crooks has sometimes been subject to scrutiny / body-shaming online.
Yet many fans and commentators defend her — arguing that her size is not a liability but a strength, allowing her to dominate inside, rebound, and use her body as a powerful asset on the court.
Her physical style — often compared to “big bodies” — makes her unique in women’s college basketball, and gives opponents a very real challenge when matching up against her.
It’s also worth noting that because multiple sources give different weights or say the weight is “not disclosed,” there’s uncertainty — reminding us that athletic profiles can evolve (weight can fluctuate, official data may update).
Her Current Status & Future Prospects
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Audi is currently playing for the Iowa State Cyclones (Junior class as of 2025–26 season).
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She remains draft-eligible for the WNBA (as a pre-draft candidate for 2027), according to public records.
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Given her size, skill set, and upward trajectory, many analysts see her as a potential force — perhaps not only in college basketball, but in professional women’s basketball, depending on how she develops her game, conditioning, and versatility.
FAQs
Q: What is Audi Crooks’ ethnicity?
A: Audi Crooks is of mixed ethnicity. Her father was Black, and her mother is white.
Q: How tall is Audi Crooks?
A: She is 6 feet 3 inches tall (approximately 191 cm).
Q: How much does Audi Crooks weigh?
A: While some sources list her at around 98 kg (216 lbs), there is no universally accepted “official” weight — multiple sources highlight that this information is not definitively disclosed.
Q: Who are her parents, and what is her father’s background?
A: Her parents are Jimmie Crooks (father) and Michelle Cook (mother). Both were basketball players — her father played high school and college basketball, while her mother was a standout scorer at Bishop Garrigan High School.
Q: Is Audi Crooks playing in college now?
A: Yes — as of 2025–26, Audi Crooks is playing center for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Conclusion
Audi Crooks’ story is more than just numbers on a basketball stat sheet. Her mixed heritage, family background — especially the legacy of her late father — and her physical attributes combine to make her a unique, inspiring figure in women’s college basketball today.
At 6′3″ and with a formidable on-court presence, she challenges stereotypes about size, athleticism, and race. Whether she continues on to a professional career or continues to evolve at Iowa State, one thing is clear: Audi Crooks is a name worth watching — not just for her stats, but for what she represents.
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