Iowa State’s Audi Crooks Enters Transfer Portal | Women’s Basketball
- Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball star Audi Crooks announced on Thursday, April 2, that she is entering the NCAA transfer portal, marking the latest departure from the program...
- The announcement comes after a period of significant roster turnover for the Cyclones.
- Crooks quickly established herself as a dominant force during her three seasons with the Cyclones.
Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball star Audi Crooks announced on Thursday, April 2, that she is entering the NCAA transfer portal, marking the latest departure from the program following a disappointing end to the season. Crooks, a two-time Big 12 scoring leader and a second-team All-American, will have one season of eligibility remaining at her new school.
The announcement comes after a period of significant roster turnover for the Cyclones. Crooks is the ninth player from the 2025-26 team to enter the transfer portal, leaving only senior-to-be Arianna Jackson and backup guard Evangelia Paulk initially planning to return next season. Freshman guard Freya Jensen initially announced her intention to transfer but has since decided to remain at Iowa State.
Crooks’ Impact at Iowa State
Crooks quickly established herself as a dominant force during her three seasons with the Cyclones. As a sophomore, she led the nation in scoring with 820 points. In the 2025-26 season, she again led the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 25.8 points, and 7.7 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-American honors. Her departure represents a significant loss for the Iowa State program.
“Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day,” Crooks said in a statement released on Thursday. “I’ve met so many of you out in the community, and I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I’ve built during my time at Iowa State.”
Coaching Response and Team Outlook
Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly expressed disappointment at the number of players choosing to leave the program but wished them well in their future endeavors. According to KCCI, Fennelly stated he was “disappointed that some of his players are pursuing other opportunities, but thank[ed] them for their time at ISU and is wishing them the best.”
The mass exodus of players raises questions about the future of the Iowa State women’s basketball program. With a significantly depleted roster, Coach Fennelly will face a challenging rebuilding process. The team had started the season strongly, matching the best start in program history, but experienced a downturn in the second half.
Potential Transfer Destinations
Crooks’ talent and scoring ability are expected to attract significant interest from programs across the country. While specific potential destinations have not been confirmed, analysts suggest several schools could be contenders. ESPN and other outlets have begun speculating on possible landing spots for the star center, recognizing her as a highly sought-after transfer.
The timing of Crooks’ decision allows her ample opportunity to evaluate her options and find a program that aligns with her goals for her final year of collegiate eligibility. Her impact on the transfer market is expected to be substantial, potentially influencing other players’ decisions as well.
Broader Transfer Portal Trends
Crooks’ entry into the transfer portal is part of a larger trend in college basketball, where players are increasingly utilizing the one-time transfer rule to seek opportunities that better suit their athletic and academic aspirations. The NCAA transfer portal has become a significant factor in roster construction and competitive balance across all divisions.
The increased player movement presents both challenges and opportunities for coaches and athletic departments. While it can disrupt team chemistry and continuity, it also allows programs to quickly address roster needs and attract top talent. The situation at Iowa State highlights the complexities of navigating the modern transfer landscape.