A Record-Breaking Triumph—and a Shameful Insult: Both Tell a Story
Two incidents happened this week—one fantastic, the other disgraceful.
First, the fantastic.
In college basketball, Iowa State junior Audi Crooks delivered a performance for the ages. According to the AP:
“The junior post averaged 31.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 blocks to lead the 12th-ranked Cyclones to a pair of victories. Crooks shot an outstanding 78.5% from the field and broke the school’s single-game scoring record with 43 points against Valparaiso. She did it while playing just 19 minutes. Crooks became the first player in the past 25 years to score 40 or more in 20 minutes or less.”
Read that again: 78.5% from the field.
That is absurd. Even Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game can’t match that level of efficiency.
And here’s what makes Crooks even more remarkable: she’s been told—repeatedly—that she’s “not small enough” to play basketball. At 6’3” and powerfully built, she draws comparisons to Wes Unseld more than Kareem. Online trolls have targeted her size, not her skill. Her response to the haters?
“People can hate, but they can’t take away what I just did… There might be 100 comments about my body. But there are 1,000 about my skill set, my character, my smile, and how I treat other people.”
I admire her confidence and applaud her incredible achievement. To quote one of my favorite movies: “Atta girl.”
Now, the disgrace.
On Friday, aboard Air Force One:
FEMALE BLOOMSBURG REPORTER: “Sir, if there’s nothing incriminating in the files—”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Quiet! Quiet, Piggy!”
Pause and absorb that.
A journalist, doing her job, was demeaned by the President of the United States. Unfortunately, this is not new—and, as AI and archived reporting confirm, these insults are disproportionately directed at women of color.
Why do we attack women based on appearance? Why is weight such an easy (and lazy) weapon, especially from people whose own BMI numbers aren’t exactly exemplary? Some claim to be “concerned about health,” though science doesn’t support their arguments. Others act as if simply existing in a larger body is somehow “promoting” an unhealthy lifestyle.
By that logic, someone like Audi Crooks—an elite athlete breaking records—would be a “bad role model.” It’s absurd.
Visibility matters.
I launched a speaking career because I rarely saw women who looked like me on major stages. I know countless brilliant, accomplished women who have been pushed into the shadows or cast as the comedic sidekick when they’ve earned leading roles.
Every talented woman—every Audi Crooks out there—deserves to see people like themselves represented, respected, and celebrated. That’s why I show up. Representation isn’t optional; it’s powerful.
As for trolls?
Stand up to them.
Stop apologizing for being your fabulous self. Don’t let anyone—not even a president—define you with a cheap insult. And if you witness this behavior, be an ally. Bullies don’t stop until someone calls them out.
