Iowa State’s Audi Crooks Announces Transfer from Women’s Basketball Team
Audi Crooks, Iowa State’s standout center from Algona, announced Thursday she will enter the transfer portal. She thanked fans for their support and said she values connections made in the community.
Crooks led the Big 12 in scoring in back-to-back seasons and earned second-team All-America honors for 2025-26 as a junior. She averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game that season, and her 820 points as a sophomore led the nation.
Roster impact
Crooks is the 10th member of Iowa State’s 2025-26 roster to enter the transfer portal. Only two teammates have publicly said they will return: senior-to-be Arianna Jackson and backup guard Evangelia Paulk.
Athletic director response
Iowa State posted a video on social media of Athletics Director Jamie Pollard providing an update on both basketball programs. Filmogaz.com covered the message and assessed its implications for the programs.
Pollard congratulated the men’s team on a strong season and addressed recent staff changes. Assistants JR Blount and Kyle Green left to accept head coaching positions elsewhere.
He said T.J. Otzelberger has a plan to repopulate his staff. Pollard described the departures from the women’s roster as an unfortunate byproduct of the state of the industry.
Pollard also referenced another Big 12 program that is down to two returning players for next year. He compared that situation to the football program, which had fewer than 20 returning players in December after Matt Campbell’s departure.
Pollard made clear there will be no coaching change for longtime women’s coach Bill Fennelly. He noted Fennelly is the winningest coach in program history.
Pollard expressed confidence Iowa State will attract transfers given its strong crowds, history, and coaching staff. He said he expects no shortage of student-athletes interested in joining the program.
As Audi Crooks announces her transfer, the women’s basketball team faces a significant roster rebuild this offseason.
