The landscape of Iowa State women's basketball is undergoing a seismic shift. Star center Audi Crooks, the program's offensive 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, cementing herself as one of the most dominant post players in the nation. She saved one of her best performances for last, scoring 37 points in a hard-fought 72-63 First Round NCAA Tournament loss to Syracuse.

In a heartfelt social media post, Crooks expressed gratitude to the Cyclone faithful: "Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day... I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I’ve built during my time at Iowa State." She framed her decision as a search for new ground, stating, "I still believe the grass is greener where you water it... I have decided to enter the portal and explore what it means to take root again."

Her exit is part of a massive roster exodus. Crooks becomes the tenth Cyclone to enter the portal this offseason, joining a list that includes key contributors Jada Williams, Addy Brown, and Kenzie Hare. This level of turnover is unprecedented and will define the program's immediate future.

Amidst the departures, there is a glimmer of stability. Des Moines native Arianna Jackson has announced her return, and Evangelia Paulk has indicated she plans to play for the 2026-27 team. Their decisions will be crucial as Iowa State looks to rebuild its roster and identity in a rapidly changing college basketball environment.