Iowa State center Audi Crooks (55) reacts as she runs to the bench during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

It’s easy to see how good Audi Crooks is at basketball.

A quick look at her resume and statistics proves both her current skill and potential for greatness.

Crooks, a Bishop Garrigan graduate with a Fort Dodge bloodline, captivated the nation this past weekend with her skills on the basketball court.

The daughter of Jimmie Crooks — a former Dodger star — and ex-Garrigan all-stater Michelle (Vitzthum) Cook was built to be a star. In skills and stature alike, Crooks has overwhelmed her opponents and been an instant star on the collegiate court.

Crooks slowly but surely made her presence felt, working her way into Iowa State’s starting lineup as a true freshman before becoming one of the best players in the Big 12 during the regular season.

She was then a force in Iowa State’s NCAA tournament opener against Maryland. Her pinpoint precision from the field (18-for-20) and her touch around the hoop resulted in 40 points and pushed Iowa State into the second round. The Cyclones came up short in an attempt to reach the Sweet 16, losing to second-seeded Stanford in overtime on the Cardinal’s home court.

Crooks is a standout basketball player, but her smile and graciousness is what truly resonates with people.

As the Cyclones left the court in heartbreak on Sunday night at Stanford, she held her head high and hugged every Cardinal player on her way off the court.

Crooks made stops in the hand-shake line to talk to legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, then shared a moment with future WNBA star Cameron Brink.

At Garrigan, I watched Crooks grow into a leadership role she proudly embraced through all four years of her high school career.

Crooks wasn’t necessarily asked to lead from day one in Ames, but her personality and her game instantly made her one of the top players in the Big 12 amongst a superior freshmen class at ISU.

On the court, she seems unstoppable. Off the court, Crooks is humble.

Every time I interview her — questions about her breaking records and winning titles — Crooks quickly deferred and gave credit to her teammates and her family.

Losing her father at the young age of 16 was hard to process, but with a tattoo on her arm to honor him and the constant presence from above, the pain has been eased through her faith.

Crooks may be just a freshman, but her outlook on life and the importance of God in it has helped guide her and made her wise beyond her years.

After their NCAA Tournament opener, Crooks put into perspective how she prepares for a game, taking a moment and praying to seek guidance from her dad. She said she taps into her “spiritual side,” then added, “I just know that everything is going to be OK and he has the best seat in the house.”

Crooks’ ability to take a moment to both refocus and reflect has been a staple in her repertoire.

After reaching the Big 12 championship game but losing to Texas, it was tough to accept. There was a picture of Crooks coming out of the locker room and standing alone watching the Longhorns’ celebration, soaking it all in for future motivation.

Her perspective and attitude will be a big part of Iowa State’s future as a program. After the frustrating Stanford setback, Crooks was asked in an interview what she thought about fouling out.

“No reaction. I can never have a reaction,” Crooks said. “I will never have a reaction. You will never catch me complaining.”

That’s Audi Crooks. Play basketball, and what happens is meant to be.

Her skills and hard work put her on the big stage as a household name despite being just 19 years old. Her attitude and smile turned her into a media darling for the Big Dance in 2024.

Crooks’ humbleness and graciousness? That is what will make her a role model for years to come.

Chris Johnson is Assistant Sports Editor at The Messenger. Contact him via email at cjohnson@messengernews.net or on Twitter @ChrisJohnson–17