Iowa State's Audi Crooks shared a heartwarming message about her late father inspiring her breakout game

Iowa State center Audi Crooks has been one of the breakout stars of either NCAA tournament this March, as she made history on Friday night in her team’s opening-round win over Maryland.

While speaking with reporters after her statement performance, Crooks was asked about what she was thinking about while excelling on the court during Friday’s game. Her answer dealt with her late father, as she expressed why his memory fuels her on the court and in life.

Crooks was moved to tears while talking about she feels her late dad is still with her to this day, which is an incredibly powerful sentiment for the young hoops standout.

What was Audi Crooks thinking about before, during, and after her record, 40-point night? Her late father. This was an emotional moment at the press conference after @CycloneWBB stormed back from 20 down to advance. #MarchMadnessWBB pic.twitter.com/IFG7UImWez

— Scott Reister (@scottreister) March 23, 2024

Noticed before the game Audi Crooks taking a moment to herself while her teammates were warming up. Closed her eyes, took some deep breaths, tugged on her shirt. Asked about it after: “Before every game, I just try to take a moment,” Crooks said while fighting back tears. “I pray…

— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) March 23, 2024

Crooks’ heartwarming message about her late father makes you remember how often so many of these young athletes are inspired by difficult moments and painful losses during such impressive performances.

Her character showed brightly in the way she honored her dad after such a major moment in her sports career.