The landscape of Iowa State women's basketball is undergoing a seismic shift. Star center Audi Crooks, the program's cornerstone, announced her entry into the transfer portal Thursday, marking a stunning departure for the Cyclones.

Crooks leaves an indelible mark in Ames. The Algona native and Bishop Garrigan alumna poured in 2,256 points over 95 games, culminating in a 37-point performance in her final outing—a First Round NCAA tournament loss to Syracuse. In a heartfelt social media post, Crooks thanked the Cyclone faithful, stating, "I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I’ve done that here." She now seeks "to take root again in new ground," opening a major recruiting chase in women's college basketball.

Her decision amplifies an exodus from the program. Crooks becomes the tenth Cyclone to enter the portal this offseason, joining a list that includes key contributors like Jada Williams and Addy Brown. This mass movement signals a significant rebuilding phase ahead for Iowa State.

Amidst the departures, there is a thread of continuity. Des Moines native Arianna Jackson has announced her return, and Evangelia Paulk has indicated plans to come back for the 2026-27 season, providing a foundation for the new-look Cyclones.