For Iowa State University’s Audi Crooks, college basketball has come with more than just competition. As her presence on the court has grown, so has the attention around her, bringing more visibility, and expectations that go beyond the game. “It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Crooks tells Her Campus in an exclusive interview. “I still view myself as just a normal person, whereas now, being a student athlete, I’m placed on a platform.”
After our chat, news breaks that Crooks will transfer to Oklahoma State. But regardless of the jersey she represents, during her time as a Division I athlete, Crooks has had to work to find balance between her academics, athletics, and her personal life. That adjustment has meant learning to manage responsibilities and a tough schedule while also staying grounded in who she is. For Crooks, she does that by “remembering my four pillars: family, faith, music, and acts of service.”
Off the court, Crooks is shaping how she expresses herself through her personal style. Through her involvement with JCPenney’s Inside Lane campaign, she’s a part of a growing movement in tunnel fashion — one that highlights individuality while making style accessible for everyone. The campaign aims to challenge the idea that fashion has to be expensive and high-end, and that it should be available for both athletes and fans alike.
Below, Crooks talks to Her Campus about college life, staying grounded, and how she expresses herself through both basketball and fashion.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
As a college athlete, you’ve stepped into the spotlight pretty quickly. What has that transition been like for you, both on and off the court?
It’s definitely been an adjustment. I still view myself as just a normal person, whereas now, being a student athlete, I’m placed on a platform. It comes with highs and lows, but it’s been amazing to be able to meet so many new people — to know that I’m being seen through a different lens, and people admire me and what I do. That’s been an adjustment to carry that weight. Just getting into the groove of things and really owning the moment is how I’ve gotten through that adjustment period.
Being a student athlete comes with a lot of responsibilities and pressures. How have you learned to balance expectations while staying grounded?
For me, what that looks like is just remembering my four pillars — family, faith, music, and acts of service. I’m big on giving back to the community. You just have to stay rooted in who you are because as fame comes and the cameras turn, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.
Speaking of responsibility and pressure, what does self-care look like for you? What do you do to unwind?
For me, self-care is a dim room, lighting some candles, watching my favorite show. It’s really all about comfort, so maybe it’s trying a new skin care product, taking a super long shower or listening to my favorite playlist. All those things are really important de-stressors for me because I do have a lot of responsibilities.
So many college students are still figuring themselves out. How has your time at Iowa State University shaped you?
I was able to get my psychology degree and figure out what I wanted to do career-wise — off the court. I’ve met a lot of fun people and I have friends that I’ll have for the rest of my life, and I think that that experience has shaped me as well. Being in a new place and being able to find community in those friends is something I won’t forget.
Tunnel fashion has become such a big part of athlete culture and identity. How has your personal style evolved as both a player and a person?
I’ve kind of had the same style my whole life, and that’s part of why I partnered with JCPenney. I remember going shopping during the holiday season with my mom at JCPenney and getting all those little items. My style is fly, but still cute — a little masculine, but a little girly. That’s developed as I have entered college. I pull inspo from other athletes, too — definitely paying attention to the tunnel fits.
What’s your current favorite fashion trend, and how would you style it?
I’m a big fan of a collar and a tie outside of a sweater. I think that looks super fly. I would do that with some jeans and some sneakers to top it off.
JCPenney’s Inside Lane campaign focuses on making style more accessible. Why is that message important to you?
We have a lot of people that are watching us and look to us for inspiration. A person doesn’t necessarily want to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on an outfit, so knowing that our fans can go shop those looks means a lot.
Women’s sports are getting more visibility than ever before. What does it mean to you to be a part of this moment?
It’s so fun. What a time to be a woman in sports. That’s something we’re super proud of, and we try to carry with pride as we go out and play in front of the world. As more people are starting to watch, it’s just an absolute blessing.
For students who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about their college path, what advice would you give to them based on your own experience?
Let your heart lead you. What I mean by that is your interests and hobbies that you’ve developed as a child and as a teenager — those things are what make you you, so try to find a career or something that you’re passionate about.