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Audi Crooks always seems to have a smile on her face. Now the Iowa State star has a gold medal to go along with it."It means a lot," Crooks said. "Not a lot of people can say that they have a gold medal, especially for Team USA. Especially over Fourth of July."Tuesday, she showed off the medal she won at the FIBA Women's Americup last week in Chile. She and Hawkeye Hannah Stuelke were among the 12 players on the roster. ISU star Addy Brown had a hurt ankle during training camp and did not make the roster.Crooks tried out for the U17 team a few years ago as a high schooler at Bishop Garrigan, but did not make the cut. She always wanted to get another shot at Team USA. This time, she made it and helped the red, white, and blue win gold."It goes to show the elevation of my game and my personal development on and off the floor, how that translates and how it's being recognized."Crooks averaged 3.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game during the AmeriCup. They beat Brazil 92-84 in the finals. The trip was also eye-opening from a patriotic perspective."It was kind of sad because Chile had anti-USA protests going in. We couldn't wear our USA gear, which was super weird. There weren't any celebrations or fireworks. That was a lot different because I knew everyone here was eating burgers, hot dogs, and shooting off fireworks, so I had a little FOMO. But I don't regret it an anyway. It was an amazing experience. Being able to wear USA across my chest on Fourth of July was something I'll never forget."