Audi Crooks remembers what it was like to be a kid in elementary school.

On Friday in Fort Dodge, the basketball star got the chance to walk those halls again.

The recent Bishop Garrigan graduate took a stroll down memory lane as she visited four Fort Dodge elementary schools.

Crooks, who helped lead Garrigan to four straight Class 1A state finals and two championships, spent time with local elementary students on their last day of school Friday.

The Iowa State Basketball commit read books to the youngsters and signed autographs as they spent time with the future Cyclone.

“Going to schools was a fun experience,” Crooks said. “Some of the kids recognized me, and it was fun playing around with them.

“I felt like a kid again.”

While at Feelhaver Elementary, Crooks read the book, “What Do You Do With An Idea” to the students. She also spent a little time on the basketball court with some fourth graders.

Crooks, the daughter of the late FDSH graduate Jimmie Crooks and Michelle (Vitzthum) Cook, answered a number of questions from the students.

“The students all asked, ‘How tall are you’ or ‘How did you get so good,'” Crooks said. ” I’m glad that I was able to tell my story and hopefully spark some interest in pursuing athletics and the arts.

“And of course making them all Audi Crooks fans.”

Feelhaver principal Sara Fitzgerald said It was a great experience to have the All-State basketball player at Feelhaver.

“She was kind, humble and had an infectious smile,” Fitzgerald said. “Our kids were shocked to meet her and loved having the opportunity to try and show her up.

“She talked about grades, teamwork, respecting adults and finding joy and all types of extracurricular activities.”

Crooks made stops at Duncombe, Cooper and Butler as well.

Duncombe principal Ryan Flaherty said the kids enjoyed having Crooks in their school.

“It was an amazing experience,” Flaherty said. “Audi is someone the kids look up to and Audi had a great message about how to be a leader on the athletic field but also in the classroom.

“The kids were amazed at her 6-foot-3 inch height, but they were left inspired by a true hero.”

For Crooks it wasn’t about giving back it was more about making connections.

“Giving back” almost feels like a false statement.” Crooks said. ” I had so much fun and I gained a lot from connecting with the youth as well.

” I would do it again in a heartbeat.”