The Iowa State Cyclones center talked with us about staying sane—and successful—when social media is unkind.
Audi Crooks on Keeping Eyes on the Prize and Caring for Mental Health
Published on Mar. 07, 2025
It’s arguable that for all the benefits the internet’s brought us, there are some major downsides. It’s no wonder, for example, that mental health has grown to be such a prominent issue for Americans of all ages.
Even the most talented, disciplined athletes deserving of our respect face hostility and negativity on social media. Leading into International Women’s Day on March 8, UScellular is bringing attention to this issue, supporting mental health of female athletes and promoting the practice of establishing healthy digital habits.
As part of the campaign, Audi Crooks, who plays center for the Iowa State Cyclones, recently released a video on her social media platforms in collaboration with other college female athletes who talk about why not fitting the mold can play to a woman’s strength.
Crooks, who grew up in Iowa, spoke with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest to discuss how staying focused on positivity is a non-negotiable.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Audi, isn’t it audacious to think of how people can behave online in the face of a young woman who has already accomplished so much? What do you want anyone who’s facing these pressures to understand about how to cope?
Audi Crooks: It’s audacious that people still try to find ways to tear me and other female athletes down when the successes truly speak for themselves. Coping is a matter of how you want to use it: Is it something that motivates you? Is it something you don’t care about? Is it something that bothers you?
Audi Crooks: It’s going to be different for every individual. I let it roll off my back for the most part. If someone feels the need to leave a negative comment, my mindset is: Thank you for your viewership, thank you for watching the game, and taking time out of your day to curate a message and leave it under my post. It can be difficult, and it’s not as easy for some as it might be for me to let that roll off your back. It’s about remembering who you are, why you began to play, and why you began to do what you do in the first place.
The Healthy: Part of the messaging in this UScellular campaign focuses on the “importance of unplugging and connecting to what matters most.” We love that. What matters most to you when you set down your phone?
Audi Crooks: The people and things that have gotten you to where you are today. My family matters most if I can find time, even if it’s a FaceTime or if I can run home. They make me feel grounded in this busy student athlete world. My friends and teammates also matter—hanging out with them outside of the court whether it’s grabbing a quick lunch, going to the mall, or catching a movie. Music is another big outlet for me, including playing guitar and chilling in my room with headphones on zoned out, taking time to myself.
The Healthy: What’s something that has the best chance of lifting you up when you’re feeling down?
Audi Crooks: Music. That is my go-to outlet. I play a lot of different instruments, including piano and guitar. It allows me to get away from the buzzing, noise, and any obligation, to be free to do what I want to do and express myself in that way.
The Healthy: Do you ever take detox breaks from tech or social media?
Audi Crooks: I absolutely do. Towards the end of my day, I like to put my phone on “Do Not Disturb” and focus on the things that I need to get done. Whether it’s school or locking in before a big game, I make sure that the things that are most important are getting a good percentage of my time.
The Healthy: What’s one self-care practice you refuse to skip?
Audi Crooks: I’m not big into makeup, and I’m not a super girly girl. To me, self-care is taking time at the end of your day to unwind—putting on your favorite Netflix show, grabbing your favorite snack, or even calling your girls from back home. It’s doing little things throughout the day that bring you a little bit of peace and joy amidst chaos.
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