In the highly competitive arena of NCAA women’s college basketball, statistical dominance is rare; combining it with profound resilience in the face of public scrutiny is rarer still. Iowa State center Audi Crooks embodies this intersection, delivering elite performance while simultaneously navigating the unfortunate reality of online body shaming. Her story is not merely one of athletic achievement, but a technical study in maximizing personal assets—both physical and philosophical—to achieve unquestionable success.
The Technicality of Dominance: Analyzing the Big 12 Record
Crooks, standing 6-foot-3, operates in the paint with an efficiency that defies modern basketball norms. Her recent output has forced the entire college basketball ecosystem to acknowledge her technical mastery. In a recent contest against Kansas, Crooks posted a staggering 41 points in just 30 minutes of play. This performance tied a Big 12 regular season scoring record—a marker that had stood untouched since 1984. Furthermore, this was her fourth consecutive game recording at least 30 points, placing her among only five players in the last 15 years of women’s college basketball to achieve this sustained output. She is also the only player this season to register three 40-point games.
Critics, often focused on superficial aspects of her game, frequently label her scoring as merely relying on “easy points under the basket.” Crooks’ response to this technical critique is delightfully pragmatic, delivered with a hint of technical certainty:
“Sometimes they say that all I do is score easy points under the basket,” she stated in 2023. “I say this with the utmost humility: it works.”
The technical reality is that her strength, coupled with elite footwork and precise hand coordination (assets often overlooked by casual observers), transforms contested shots into highly reliable, high-percentage opportunities. She utilizes her physicality not as a burden, but as a strategic tool—a classic, old-school fundamental weapon updated for the new generation.
The Burden of Perception: Navigating the `Lady Shaq` Label
From the moment Crooks entered the national spotlight, her narrative was immediately derailed by commentary focused on her physical stature. Born an exceptionally large infant (4.5 kg and 71 cm), she has consistently faced commentary on her size, culminating in the unimaginative nickname, “Lady Shaq.”
The cruelty began early. As a middle schooler, seeing major outlets publish commentary discussing her body rather than her burgeoning skills proved a significant psychological challenge. Crooks openly admitted that no one is truly prepared for such a public onslaught. The irony is poignant: the very physicality that defines her dominance is the primary subject of derision by those far removed from the court.
The pressure of this public scrutiny underscores a critical philosophical point Crooks champions: defining oneself by constant, positive self-improvement, not external validation.
“The things that are constant in your life, the things that bring you joy and positivity, the things you excel at and are working on—those are the things that should shape you. Not the others.”
The Defensive Strategy of Kindness
Crooks’ success is secured not only by superior athletic training but by an internalized moral framework rooted in her family. Her mother’s counsel became her primary defense mechanism against the barrage of negativity:
“Just try only to kill them with kindness, because that way you won`t give them ammunition to react.”
This advice highlights a critical aspect of modern athlete management: maintaining emotional integrity in the digital age. By refusing to engage with hate, Crooks ensures that the narrative remains focused solely on her performance and character, starving her detractors of the reaction they seek. This strategy, though simple, is incredibly effective in preserving mental bandwidth for athletic execution.
A Versatile Portfolio: Beyond the Hardwood
To view Crooks solely through the lens of basketball is to miss the breadth of her dedication and talent. She is currently pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Iowa State, demonstrating a commitment to academic rigor. Her pursuits outside the gym are extensive and diverse:
- Musician: Proficient in playing five instruments, including the trumpet in the school band and the drums in church.
- Track Athlete: A former three-time state champion in the shot put.
This holistic approach to life was integral to her collegiate choice. During her recruitment, she famously chose Iowa State because, as she explained, “they made me feel loved as a person, not just for what I do on a basketball court.” This commitment was exemplified by Coach Bill Fennelly’s assertive defense of her during recruitment, telling skeptics: “We are not recruiting someone to sit on the bench.”
Honoring the Lineage: The Symbolism of Number 55
Crooks’ journey is deeply influenced by the memory of her father, Jimmie Crooks, who was a basketball star and a man who struggled with profound health issues before his passing in 2021. Audi’s dedication to him was visceral; she cooked for him, helped him walk, and shared his love for music (he also played the drums).
She honors both of her parents—her mother was a standout player—by wearing the number 55. Her father’s legacy is permanently etched on her arm via a tattoo reading “Pops,” adorned with an aura, wings, and his favorite biblical verse, Proverbs 3:6:
“Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”
This tattoo serves as a constant, tangible reminder that her strength is sourced not just from her physical prowess, but from a spiritual connection and deep family history. Audi Crooks is proving that true dominance is achieved when raw talent is refined by character, resilience, and the quiet dignity of letting statistical performance speak for itself.
Murray Blackwood 
Finlay Hurst