Iowa State center Audi Crooks

Audi Crooks became a national sensation in March.

But the Algona superstar still loves to rub shoulders with fans and give back to the community.

The Bishop Garrigan graduate will hold a meet and greet and autograph session during Frontier Days this weekend.

Crooks will take photos and sign autographs at the Trading Post on Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m.

“It means a lot to be back,” Crooks said. “I get to see all my family, friends and the community members that have supported me throughout this journey.”

Crooks, who is the daughter of Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, the late Jimmie Crooks and Bishop Garrigan graduate Michelle (Vitzthum) Cook, was part of two state championship teams at Bishop Garrigan and four state finals appearances.

In her freshman season Crooks took women’s college basketball by storm.

During the regular season, she was Big 12 freshman of the week four times and Big 12 player of the week twice. She was also named NCAA women’s player of the week in January.

She was on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Crooks was a First Team All-Big 12 player and named to the Big 12 All-Tournament Team.

Her biggest honor of her rookie campaign was being selected as an AP All-American Honorable Mention.

Crooks, who averaged 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds had a career high 40 points in the NCAA Tournament to help the Cyclones rally past Maryland.

“Since the NCAA tournament I’ve become more nationally known,” Crooks said. “People have recognized me across the internet and in my personal life as well.”

She finished the season with 259 rebounds and 635 points. Her point total was a freshman best in the history of Cyclone basketball.

During the NCAA tournament against Stanford, Crooks fouled out late in the game on a tough call. After the contest a reporter asked her what was her reaction to fouling out.

Her reaction was fitting for the generations that look up to her.

“No reaction. You can never have a reaction,” Crooks said in the interview. “I will never have a reaction — ever

“You will not catch me complaining.”

Crooks knows what it takes to be successful on the court, but what it also means with thousands of eyes watching her.

“Being a role model is important to me because I’m impacting future generations and influencing them to act the right way,” Crooks said. “Body language isn’t talked about enough and keeping a good composure on and off the court is something I value highly.”