In the highly competitive arena of NCAA Women`s Basketball, Iowa University center Audi Crooks presents an undeniable force. Her statistics are staggering, her impact immediate, yet the digital chatter often focuses not on her performance, but on the geometry of her athletic frame—a bizarre habit reserved for those who prioritize shallow aesthetics over sheer, overwhelming competence.
At 6-foot-3 and roughly 220 pounds, Crooks doesn`t just play basketball; she fundamentally warps the game around her. But with great power comes tiresome criticism. Crooks, sometimes nicknamed `Lady Shaq`—a comparison more descriptive of her physical impact than her actual persona—has navigated an early career rife with unwarranted public scrutiny, proving that exceptional talent is sometimes the greatest shield against negativity.
The Irrefutable Case for Dominance
Crooks’ performance metrics render any stylistic critique moot. Recently, she equaled a nearly 40-year-old Big 12 record by dropping 41 points in a single regular-season game. This was not an anomaly; it was her fourth consecutive game scoring 30 points or more, placing her in an elite cohort of only five women`s college players to achieve this feat in the last 15 years. Currently, she leads the nation in games scoring 40 points or more.
Yet, the criticism persists. Detractors occasionally claim she relies exclusively on “easy buckets” scored close to the rim. Crooks’ response to this technical observation is perhaps the most eloquent and witty retort an athlete can offer:
“I say that with the utmost humility: it works.”
Indeed, technical excellence, even if perceived as simple, remains excellence. Basketball icon Kevin Garnett, a former teammate of Shaquille O`Neal, provided a more astute assessment, describing Crooks as possessing “old-school fundamentals united with new-generation dominance.” This distinction is crucial: Crooks utilizes classic center skills—footwork, positioning, physicality—to dominate an era increasingly defined by perimeter play. She is a throwback weapon that opponents simply cannot solve.
Battling the Digital Noise Since Childhood
Crooks` experience with public judgment began shockingly early. She recalls being in middle school when a major sports broadcaster first posted about her. At 13, she witnessed adults on the internet dissecting her body rather than acknowledging her burgeoning talent.
This early exposure to body shaming, which is tragically common in women’s sports, was overwhelming. “No one is prepared for something like that,” she stated. Her sanctuary became her family and her teammates. It was her mother, Michelle Vitzthum, who provided the definitive strategy for dealing with online malice:
“Just try to kill them with kindness, because that way you won`t give them ammunition to fire back.”
This philosophy of overwhelming success combined with unshakeable decency defines her public posture. While others scream in silence, Crooks responds with 30-point efficiency and quiet resilience. She does not engage; she transcends.
The Renaissance Woman Beyond the Paint
To reduce Audi Crooks to simply an exceptional center is to miss the breadth of her character. She is a true academic and artistic polymath. Crooks is currently pursuing a degree blending Criminal Justice and Sociology at Iowa State, reflecting an interest in understanding and perhaps improving the mechanics of society—a significant commitment for a high-profile athlete.
Furthermore, Crooks possesses considerable musical talent, playing five instruments. She played the trumpet in jazz club and the school band, and the drums in church. This dedication to diverse, complex disciplines speaks volumes about her focus and intellectual rigor. Her choice of Iowa State, she notes, was driven by a holistic approach:
“I chose Iowa State because it made me feel loved as a person, not just for what I do on a basketball court.”
This sense of belonging was cultivated early by the coaching staff, who defended her against early critics during the recruitment process, cementing their commitment to the person as much as the player.
A Legacy Woven in Family and Faith
Crooks’ foundational strength is rooted in her athletic lineage and deep family bonds. Her father, Jimmie Crooks, was a basketball star who passed away in 2021 after a lengthy illness. Audi spent years caring for him, helping him navigate life after multiple heart attacks, kidney failure, and an amputation. She cooked for him, helped him walk, and shared his love for music.
To honor her father, Crooks sports a tattoo on her arm: the word `Pops` inked alongside a halo and wings, accompanied by his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This serves as a constant, tangible reminder of his spiritual presence.
Crooks honors both Jimmie and her mother (Michelle, an all-time leading scorer at her high school) by wearing the number 55 jersey—a decision that visually links her current achievements to her athletic heritage.
Rebecca Lobo, a respected voice in basketball commentary, summarized Crooks’ unique impact perfectly: “In a way, you are fascinated by her because you almost never see a player with her build, who moves like she does, who has her feet and her hands. She is effective at using her size and embracing her physicality.”
Audi Crooks is not just winning; she is rewriting the narrative of what a dominant female athlete should look like. She proves that critics can focus on weight and appearance, but the only metric that truly matters is the scoreboard, and on that front, she is simply unstoppable.
