Audi Crooks, a rising basketball star, is known for her strong post play and unwavering determination. However, she recently shared an aspect of her early years that seldom makes the highlight reels: a tale about shoes that were too large, too worn, and too symbolic of the difficult journey she underwent long before she became well-known. Crooks frequently spent entire seasons playing in sneakers that didn’t fit or were falling apart because his family was struggling to make ends meet. The soles began to peel. The cloth ripped. Every step she took on the court served as a reminder of how difficult it would be to pursue her dream.
She recalls how embarrassing it was to put on shoes that didn’t resemble those of her teammates. She recalls how painful it was to realize there wasn’t enough money for new ones. And she recalls deciding to persevere anyhow. Crooks stated, “I would feel self-conscious when I stepped on the court, but I refused to quit.” Long practices, late nights, and a lot of grit helped to build that determination, which is now the foundation of who she is. Crooks’ perseverance paid off. In Iowa State’s victory over Princeton, she and teammate Addy Brown combined for 49 points, marking yet another breakthrough performance for the freshman center who is quickly rising to prominence in the Big 12.
But what she’s doing with the suffering she once endured is what makes her story resonate outside of the courtroom. Crooks made that challenging past a mission rather than allowing it to fade into the background. She gives 200 brand-new pairs of shoes to children from low-income families each season; these children may be facing the same difficulties she did. For her, it’s straightforward: no child should have to choose between enjoying a sport and owning the necessary gear.
Her comprehension of the true obstacles faced by young athletes has been commended by parents, coaches, and educators. Children who receive the shoes frequently discuss how the gesture has changed their lives and how having a new pair gives them confidence in addition to comfort. It gives them the freedom to run, jump, and dream. Videos of Crooks sharing her journey and giving out shoes have resonated with fans on social media, where her story has quickly gained traction. She is seen by many as the type of athlete who redefines greatness—someone who leads with empathy while competing fiercely.
She still remembers those lengthy strolls in big, shattered sneakers. Her moments of uncertainty are still fresh in her mind. She still remembers the significance of a single pair of shoes to her younger self. Because every pair she gives away is a child who won’t have to experience what she did, her initiative feels very personal. Audi Crooks serves as a reminder that the most significant wins occur away from the scoreboard in a world of sports that is fixated on statistics, rankings, and awards. Her legacy has been gradually established by her dedication to giving back and uplifting others as she rises. And occasionally, as she keeps demonstrating, a tiny deed of kindness can have the greatest impact of all.
