—Submitted photo Bishop Garrigan senior Audi Crooks signed her national letter of intent to play basketball with Iowa State on Wednesday. Pictured front row, left to right are, Doug Cook, Michelle Cook, Audi Crooks, Chriss Crooks-Rocha. Back, Kru Rocha, Santana Rocha, Frank Vitzthum, Connie Vitzthum, Barbara Crooks.

AMES — Audi Crooks made it official on Wednesday afternoon, signing with the Iowa State women’s basketball program.

Crooks was one of five student-athletes to sign with the Cyclones and Bill Fennelly, comprising the highest-rated signing class in program history.

“It really means a lot to me,” Crooks told The Messenger in an exclusive interview. “I’m super excited about my future as a Cyclone. I’m very grateful for this opportunityand I wouldn’t have gotten here without God, my family, friends and coaches.

“It feels greatt o have so many people in my corner.”

Along with Crooks, Kelsey Joens from Iowa City, Arianna Jackson of Des Moines, Addy Brown from Kansas and Jalynn Bristow of Texas made up the No. 10 recruiting class by ESPN.

“This is a great day for Iowa State women’s basketball,” Fennelly said. “We are adding five great young people and their families to our Cyclone family. Our staff knew that the 2023 class would be an important one, and they have delivered with one of the highest-rated ones in our program’s history. We add five players who will provide versatility at both ends of the floor. They are already a very connected group, and are very excited to get to campus, and play in front of the best fans in the country.”

The 6-foot-3 Bishop Garrigan senior is ranked as the No. 57 recruit in the ESPNw Hoop Gurlz Class of 2023. Crooks is a three-time Iowa Class 1A player of the year and led the Golden Bears to the state championship last year.

Bishop Garrigan also reached the finals Crooks’ freshman and sophomore seasons.

“Audi will help us fill a major need in the post next season,” Fennelly said. “She is a very skilled low-post player who has great hands and footwork. Audi is a player who has gained national attention for her play, and it is exciting that she is from our state.

“I know our fans will love to see Audi in a Cyclone uniform.”

Crooks enters the year having scored 1,845 points with 955 rebounds and 287 blocked shots. She is shooting over 71 percent from the field and also has won the last two 1A state track and field shot put titles, breaking the division record with a throw of 45-1 last year.

On the volleyball court, Crooks has earned three all-Top of Iowa Conference honors and led the Golden Bears with 254 kills and 70 blocks this past fall.

Joens, the younger sister of current Iowa State standout Ashley, is the fourth sister to play Div. I basketball. She earned all-state honors this past year at Iowa City High and will play for West Liberty this winter under another sister, Courtney, who is the head coach.

Jackson is a three-time all-stater who plays for Des Moines Roosevelt. She helped the Roughriders reach the 5A state tournament a year ago.