Audi Crooks, a prominent player for Iowa State’s women’s basketball team, has announced her intention to leave the program and enter the transfer portal. This decision comes after a remarkable career where she led the Big 12 in scoring for two consecutive years and earned All-American honors.
During her time at Iowa State, Crooks was the second-leading scorer in the country this season, averaging 25.8 points per game along with 7.7 rebounds. She scored a total of 820 points as a sophomore, leading the nation in scoring. Despite her individual success, Iowa State did not advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in any of Crooks’ three seasons.
Crooks’ departure marks a significant shift for the Iowa State program, as she becomes the ninth player from the 2025-26 roster to enter the transfer portal. Following her exit, only three players are expected to return to the team next season.
In a statement, Crooks expressed her gratitude to the fans, saying, “Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day.” Her contributions to the team have been widely recognized, and her absence will be felt both on and off the court.
Bill Fennelly, the head coach of Iowa State’s women’s basketball team, acknowledged the situation, stating, “While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on.”
Jamie Pollard, Iowa State’s Athletic Director, also commented on the changes within the team, assuring fans that there is a plan in place to rebuild the roster. He noted, “Rest assured, has a great plan for how he’s going to repopulate his staff in order to continue our success in men’s basketball.”
As Crooks prepares for her next chapter, observers will be watching closely to see where she lands and how it will impact her career. With one season of eligibility remaining, her decision to transfer opens up new opportunities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential destinations for Crooks, but her talent and scoring ability will undoubtedly attract interest from various programs across the country.
