A Fresh Start in Stillwater
Audi Crooks arrived in Stillwater with a reputation that preceded her. After a standout tenure at Iowa State, where she averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, the star center transferred to Oklahoma State, bringing a blend of skill and ambition that has already turned heads in the Big 12.
Her offensive arsenal — characterized by a quick first step, a reliable mid‑range jumper and a knack for drawing fouls — has translated into a high‑scoring role for the Cowgirls. Just last season she earned 2026 AP second‑team All‑American honors, a testament to her impact on the court.
More Than a Scorer
Yet the same spotlight that celebrates her scoring also casts a shadow on her defensive lapses and conditioning. Critics have pointed to occasional lapses in footwork and endurance, urging her to round out the less glamorous parts of the game if she hopes to thrive at the next level.
Off the Court: A Relationship in the Limelight
Beyond the hardwood, Crooks’ personal life has become part of the narrative. A recent beach photograph she posted on Instagram revealed her relationship with Alex Kenward, an offensive lineman who transferred to Sacramento State. The image, captured during a sun‑soaked weekend, marked the couple’s first public acknowledgment of a romance that began a year earlier, a milestone they celebrated quietly before the season began.
The revelation sparked a wave of commentary among women’s basketball fans, many of whom confessed they had been unaware of Crooks’ dating life. While some praised the candidness, others wondered how the off‑court storyline might affect her focus as she pushes toward a professional career.
With her final college season unfolding, Crooks remains poised to cement her legacy before stepping into the WNBA draft. The combination of her offensive firepower, the scrutiny of her defensive development, and the added public interest in her personal life creates a compelling storyline that will likely follow her beyond the final buzzer.