Audi Crooks Joins Oklahoma State Women’s Basketball Team
Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball team just pulled off a huge move—they landed Audi Crooks, the top-ranked player in the transfer portal. This comes right after signing another highly sought-after transfer, Liv McGill, and suddenly, the Cowgirls look like real contenders for their first Big 12 championship.
Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center, brings elite skills and a strong presence to the team. Her arrival gives Oklahoma State a serious shot at a historic season.
Let’s dig into Crooks’ transfer, what she brings to the table, and what it could mean for Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball program.
The Journey of Audi Crooks
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Audi Crooks has had quite the basketball journey. She spent three years at Iowa State, averaging 22.8 points over 99 games—impressive numbers by any measure.
When Crooks entered the transfer portal, it sent shockwaves through the program. She was one of nine Iowa State players to do so right after the portal opened.
Fans in Ames, especially those who watched her play back in high school in Algona, felt her departure deeply. It’s tough to see a local star leave, no matter the circumstances.
Why Oklahoma State?
Crooks picked Oklahoma State for a few reasons, but working with Coach Jacie Hoyt stood out. Hoyt’s been shaping the team’s strategy and culture, and Crooks wanted in on that.
In her video announcement, Crooks sounded genuinely excited to join the Cowgirls. She talked about wanting to grow and expand her game as a senior.
Coach Hoyt didn’t hide her excitement either. She pointed to Crooks’ size, strength, and scoring ability as game-changers for the squad.
Impact on Oklahoma State’s Team Dynamics
Adding Audi Crooks gives Oklahoma State’s roster a big boost. Pair her with Liv McGill—ranked No. 2 in the portal by CBS Sports—and you’ve got a duo that’s tough to match.
McGill played for Florida last season, putting up averages of 22.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. She and Crooks could be the spark that drives the Cowgirls toward that elusive Big 12 title.
Other Key Transfers
Oklahoma State didn’t stop there. They’ve also brought in several other notable transfers:
- Talexa Weeter: Division II national player of the year from Fort Hays State in Kansas.
- Ellie Brueggemann: A 3-point shooting specialist from Lindenwood.
- LA Sneed: A point guard from Utah.
- Nene Ndiaye: A guard from Rutgers.
With all these additions, Oklahoma State looks stacked heading into the season.
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Oklahoma State lost nine players to the transfer portal after last season, even though they finished 24-10 and tied for fourth in the Big 12.
Rebuilding chemistry won’t be easy. Integrating so many new faces always comes with bumps in the road.
Coach Hoyt’s Vision
Coach Jacie Hoyt has a clear vision for this team. She wants to blend all this new talent into a unified, competitive group.
Hoyt’s not just about skills—she’s big on team spirit and work ethic too. It’s a tall order, but you can sense the optimism around Stillwater right now.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The fan base is buzzing. Audi Crooks is a big name, and her arrival has definitely turned heads.
Everyone’s eager to see how Crooks and the other newcomers mesh on the court. Can they finally bring home that first Big 12 championship?
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Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Impact
Crooks isn’t just a star on the hardwood—she’s one of the top earners in name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation. Her move to Oklahoma State should boost the team’s profile and marketability.
That extra attention could draw more fans and maybe even new sponsors. It’s just one more reason to keep an eye on the Cowgirls this season.
Conclusion
The addition of Audi Crooks to Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball team feels like a pretty big deal. She’s joining a roster that’s already seen some strong transfers lately.
People expect Crooks to help boost the Cowgirls’ performance. Some are even wondering if this could finally be the year they take home their first Big 12 championship.
Coach Jacie Hoyt seems ready for the challenge. The Cowgirls are heading into the season with a lot of hope—and maybe even a shot at making some history.
If you want more details about Audi Crooks’ transfer and what it could mean, check out the full article on Lancaster Online.