When Audi Crooks returned to Iowa State’s hardwood wearing her No. 55 jersey, the transformation was strikingly visible. Fans who had followed her since her freshman breakout instantly noticed a stronger, faster, and noticeably leaner version of the dominant center they’d admired. She had shed 45 pounds over 12 months—moving from 250 pounds to 205—not with shortcuts, but with grit, structure, and a sharpened mindset that was as sculpted as her new physique.
By avoiding the current craze for pharmaceutical aids like Ozempic, Audi Crooks leaned into something far more enduring: discipline. Her formula blended strength training, explosive cardio, and targeted basketball drills that challenged every fiber of her endurance. Each rep, each sprint, was part of a larger narrative—rebuilding not just her body, but her belief in what it could do. Much like how a sculptor chips away at a block of marble to reveal its final form, Crooks carved out a new athletic identity, one set to dominate both the Big 12 and public discourse on female athleticism.
WordPress-Compatible Table: Audi Crooks Bio and Career
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Audi Rae Crooks |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 2004 |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Current Weight | 205 pounds (previously 250 lbs) |
| Hometown | Algona, Iowa |
| High School | Bishop Garrigan High School |
| College | Iowa State University (2023–present) |
| Position | Center |
| Conference | Big 12 Conference |
| Key Highlights | 3rd-Team All-American (2025), Iowa Miss Basketball (2023), 2x First-Team All-Big 12 |
| Record Moment | 40 points in 2024 NCAA vs Maryland (single-game freshman record) |
| Weight Loss Approach | Strength training, cardio, clean nutrition, no pharmaceutical aids |
| Verified Source | Wikipedia – Audi Crooks |
Crooks’ dedication is reminiscent of the gradual transformation of athletes such as Venus Williams, who underwent physical alteration following her diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. However, Audi had no diagnosis—just a strong internal desire to become lighter, faster, and more nimble. Weightlifting, HIIT cardio, and a lot of court work were all part of her regimen, which was especially helpful for improving her muscle memory and footwork accuracy. Her efforts were a highly effective routine that became second nature rather than sporadic inspirations.
Her approach to diet was equally impressive. According to a recent article on UVM Blogs, Audi prioritized mindful eating over strict dieting. She stayed away from processed foods and placed an emphasis on balance: hydration as the cornerstone, fiber-rich carbohydrates for energy, and protein for muscle recovery. There were only minor, long-lasting adjustments that dramatically decreased unhealthy weight while maintaining strength and endurance; there was no trick or drastic fasting regimen.
Crooks felt the mental boost that comes from taking back control of one’s body, something that many athletes overlook. Her confidence skyrocketed, according to an OSU WordPress post. Her posture during interviews showed that she no longer faltered in front of the camera. There was poise where there had been hesitation. Her physical and social transformation felt incredibly successful, and she assumed a leadership position within her team.
This internal reset is in line with a larger discussion taking place in sports today. Athletes like Zion Williamson and Liz Cambage have experienced unfair scrutiny and pressure from the media regarding their weight. That narrative is upset by Crooks’ story. She changed to improve her function, stamina, and general well-being rather than to conform to an ideal of beauty. By doing this, she has turned into a role model for younger athletes dealing with comparable demands.
The outcomes on the court were instantaneous. She has an advantage in quick transitions and defensive reads because of her noticeable improvement in lateral quickness. Her ability to play at a high level for longer periods of time without needing to be substituted has been praised by teammates. Iowa State’s frontcourt playbook has changed as a result of the increased stamina and improved agility. She is no longer merely a static post threat; she defends with impressive versatility, moves like a forward, and finishes like a guard.
Women’s basketball has experienced a kind of renaissance in recent seasons. The spotlight has increased as a result of players like Caitlin Clark drawing record crowds and college athletes becoming well-known thanks to NIL deals. Audi’s quest to lose weight gives this era a fascinating side story. It’s about regaining strength, maximizing performance, and claiming control over one’s athletic path—not about vanity or appearance. Her story is especially inventive in this regard.
Even though she isn’t as well-known as Clark or Angel Reese just yet, Audi Crooks is creating a legacy that might go far beyond Ames, Iowa. In a time when social media tends to reward extremes, her ability to link her physical transformation with a mental awakening provides a model for long-term athletic success.
Her journey also has an economic undertone. Athletes who exhibit extraordinary discipline and genuine transformation garner greater attention as NIL endorsements increasingly favor those with strong personal brands. Today’s sponsors are looking for more than just statistics. Audi becomes more than a center when she undergoes a complete metamorphosis; she becomes a brand.
Her example could have a significant impact in the years to come, not only on young women participating in sports but also on coaches, trainers, and athletic departments figuring out how to promote player health. The old playbook is being rewritten, driven by aesthetic judgments and short-term performance metrics. Audi Crooks is contributing to the next version’s drafting by being present every day, sweating openly, and strengthening himself from the inside out.
