AMES, Iowa – Iowa State sophomore center Audi Crooks has been named a Third Team All-American by both the Associated Press and the US Basketball Writers of America. This recognition marks the second and third All-America honors for Crooks, who earned an AP All-America Honorable Mention last season. Notably, she is the first Iowa State sophomore to receive All-America status from both the USBWA and Associated Press.
Throughout the season, Crooks has been a standout performer, averaging an impressive 23.2 points per game, leading the Big 12 Conference while shooting better than 60 percent from the field. She leads the nation with 304 field goals made, contributing to her career total of 562, which ties the 10th-best mark by a Cyclone, previously set by Hallie Christofferson. This season, Crooks shattered Iowa State's single-season records for both points (765) and made field goals.
Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Crooks is distinguished as the only Big 12 player to rank within the top five for both scoring and rebounding, with an average of 7.6 rebounds per game. Her performance has been remarkable; she recorded 20 or more points in 22 of 33 games this season and notably achieved seven games with 30 or more points. For example, in a crucial regular season finale, Crooks delivered an outstanding 36 points on 14-for-18 shooting against No. 14 Kansas State.
Iowa State's women's basketball team, which has made its sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament—the 14th longest streak in the nation—will face Princeton in a First Four matchup on March 19, 2025. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 6 p.m. at Purcell Pavilion in Notre Dame, Indiana. The Cyclones are eager to make a strong showing, as a victory would advance them to the round of 64 against the No. 6 seed Michigan.
The excitement surrounding the Cyclones doesn't just center on Crooks, although she undoubtedly leads the charge. With a commitment to excellence, the team hopes to leverage their recent accolades as a steady foundation moving forward. As Crooks expressed in prior interviews, determination and teamwork are essential to achieving their collective goals, and they are prepared to give their all on the court.
Interestingly, Crooks has maintained a streak of scoring in double figures in every game of her college career except for her inaugural regular-season game as a freshman, bringing her current streak to an impressive 66 consecutive games scoring in double digits.
Meanwhile, in other NCAA tournament news, the Iowa Hawkeyes, also representing Iowa, have secured a six seed and will head to Norman to compete against 11-seed Murray State in the first round. This season marks the seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament for the Hawkeyes, who have consistently ranked as a six seed or better in nine straight tournaments. If successful, they may encounter the Cyclones later in the tournament, igniting a potential in-state rivalry.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation fills the air, with fans eager to witness how Crooks and her teammates will perform on the biggest stage of college basketball. Their history and dedication continue to inspire hope for a deep run in the tournament and potential glory for Iowa State.
While Crooks enjoys these well-deserved accolades, her focus remains sharp, looking forward to making an impact in the NCAA Tournament. As noted by a KCCI report, "If the Cyclones win, they will advance to the round of 64 to take on No. 6 seed Michigan." Crooks's leadership and performance are pivotal as Iowa State embarks on this competitive journey.
The accolades and records are a testament not only to Audi Crooks's talent but also to her resilience and hard work. As she takes the court against Princeton, all eyes will be on this extraordinary athlete, who embodies not just the spirit of Iowa State basketball but also the determination and drive to achieve greatness in the world of sports.
