One of women’s college basketball‘s biggest stars is entering the transfer portal.
On Thursday, Iowa State star Audi Crooks announced on Instagram her intentions to enter the portal. The news comes after the Cyclones and their star center had an early March Madness exit for the third consecutive year.
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The Iowa State center never reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament during her time with the program. Crooks and the Cyclones were eliminated by Syracuse in the first round this year, losing 72-63 despite 37 points from the Iowa State star.
“Words cannot fully express how grateful I feel to have called this place home. I want to thank my teammates for their friendship and all the great memories,” Crooks wrote in a letter.
“I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I’ve done that here. It’s why I want you to hear from me directly that I have decided to enter the portal and what it means to take root again in new ground.”
With Crooks’ intention to enter the transfer portal, she instantly becomes one of the best players available.
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The 6-3 native of Algona, Iowa, ranked second nationally in scoring this season with 25.8 points per game. She also had the second-best field goal percentage in the country at 64.9%, excelling at making shots inside the paint.
Crooks’ exit from Iowa State also makes at least 10 players who plan to leave the program and look for new homes. Players who will not play for the Cyclones next season include Crooks, Jada Williams and Addy Brown.
The transfer portal for women’s college basketball officially opens the day after the national championship game, Monday, April 6.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iowa State’s Audi Crooks to enter transfer portal, vaults to top of available list
