In the highly competitive landscape of NCAA basketball, where every athlete’s physique and performance is scrutinized, Audi Crooks of the Iowa State Cyclones has emerged not just as a star, but as a definitive force. Standing 6’3” and possessing rare physical strength, Crooks has earned the nickname “Lady Shaq.” Yet, her story is less about the moniker and far more about resilience, technical brilliance, and a refusal to let external noise define her path.
The Irrefutable Power of Performance
Crooks’s game speaks a language impervious to criticism: scoring. Recently, she delivered a stunning 41-point performance against Kansas in a dominant 30-minute display, a feat that equaled the Big 12 regular season scoring record—a benchmark untouched since 1984. This exceptional output cemented her as a prodigious scoring threat, marking her fourth consecutive game with at least 30 points, placing her among only five players in the last 15 years of women’s college basketball to achieve such a streak.
However, in the often-caustic world of sports commentary, critics have attempted to minimize her achievements, arguing that her points are merely “easy baskets” scored directly under the rim due to her size. Crooks’s response is delivered with the kind of technical pragmatism only a true athlete can muster:
“Sometimes they say all I do is score easy points under the basket. I say this with the utmost humility: it works.”
This effectiveness is what sets her apart. Even former NBA great Kevin Garnett praised her game as featuring “old-school fundamentals combined with new-generation dominance.” She leverages her physicality not as an anomaly, but as a meticulously trained weapon, utilizing precise footwork and superior court positioning.
Dominance Versus the Digital Din
Crooks’s success has come intertwined with intense online scrutiny. As a young player in middle school, her early media exposure brought with it an immediate, harsh wave of body shaming. She recounted the surreal experience of being 13 and witnessing adults fixate on her body rather than her game.
Navigating this toxicity required a strategy beyond just scoring points. Her guiding principle stems from the profound advice given by her mother, Michelle Vitzthum:
“Just try to kill them with kindness, because that way you won’t give them ammunition to fire back.”
This philosophy of quiet dominance and unwavering character has shaped her public persona. Crooks emphasizes that her true identity is forged by the constants in her life—the things that bring joy, positivity, and personal excellence—not by superficial commentary on her appearance.
The Athlete Beyond the Post
To view Crooks only through the lens of basketball statistics is to miss the depth of her character. She is a true multi-hyphenate. Crooks is currently pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology, demonstrating a commitment to understanding and improving the world around her.
Furthermore, her creative life is remarkably rich. She is an accomplished musician, proficient in five instruments, including playing the trumpet in the jazz club and the drums in her church band. Her athletic pursuits prior to focusing on basketball included winning three state championships in shot put, showcasing a natural predisposition for physical success and power.
Her decision to attend Iowa State was deliberately personal. During the recruitment process, she valued the sincerity of the coaching staff, noting, “I chose Iowa State because it made me feel loved as a person, not just for what I do on a basketball court.” This dedication to her holistic self underscores her modern approach to athletic celebrity.
Honoring the Legacy of Number 55
The number 55 holds deep significance for Audi Crooks; it is the number worn by both her mother, a high-scoring player at Bishop Garrigan, and her late father, Jimmie Crooks, who was a basketball star at Fort Dodge Senior High School.
Jimmie Crooks passed away in 2021 after years of serious health struggles, including dialysis, heart attacks, and the amputation of a leg. Audi was deeply involved in his care, cooking for him and assisting him daily. Following his death, she had the word “Pops” tattooed on her arm, complete with a halo and wings, alongside his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This tattoo serves as a constant, tangible reminder of his spiritual presence and guidance. For Audi Crooks, every jump ball, every powerful pivot, and every record broken is a testament not just to her own extraordinary talent, but to a profound family heritage and a commitment to walking the straight path, regardless of who is watching or what they are saying.
Wesley Dunham