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Iowa State Cyclones' Audi Crooks Reveals Latest Side Hustle on Vacation in Mexico

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated May 17, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The Iowa State Cyclones turned in a solid season under head coach Bill Fennelly last season in Ames, Iowa as they won 23 games before being eliminated by the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA Tournament.

The Cyclones' season was notable not just for their win total and advancement to 'The Big Dance' but also for the play of star players Audi Crooks and Emily Ryan among other contributing Iowa State players.

Crooks' decision to stay with coach Fennelley's team came down to her familiarity and comfort with the Cyclones' program.

Name, Image and Likeness money also came into play, with Iowa State doing just enough to keep the Cyclones star in Ames for another year.

On Saturday, Crooks revealed her latest "side hustle" in a picture posted to her Instagram page.

"Photography side hustle," Crooks wrote on X as she shared a beach based photo in Cancun, Mexico.

Crooks averaged 23.4 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game and 1.5 assists per game on 60 plus percent shooting with the Cyclones.

She is headed back to Iowa State for another season later this fall, bringing numbers that appear strong enough to get her drafted in the first round of the 2026 WNBA draft, if she is able to duplicate or surpass them.

The Cyclones have never won a women's basketball national championship but they have made it to the Elite Eight twice, in 1999 and 2009.

Iowa State's last regular season conference championship was in 2000, a reachable goal for Crooks, Fenelley, and the Cyclones this coming season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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