The Iowa Hawkeyes have found their footing again after a tough three-game skid, but there’s no question they’re still feeling the impact of losing senior guard Taylor McCabe for the season.
McCabe wasn’t just a steady hand in the backcourt - she was one of Iowa’s most reliable defenders and a vocal leader on the floor. Her absence has been felt on both ends, especially during Iowa’s recent slide that saw losses to USC, UCLA, and Minnesota. While that stretch wasn’t solely due to McCabe’s injury, her presence was clearly missed.
The Hawkeyes have since bounced back with back-to-back wins over Washington and Nebraska, regaining some rhythm as they adjust to life without their senior leader. But the road to recovery hasn’t just been about the team - it’s also been literal for McCabe.
Before Iowa’s win over Nebraska, McCabe shared that her ACL surgery ended up being more extensive than originally expected. Doctors discovered a torn meniscus in her left knee during the procedure, which added time to the operation and will likely extend her rehab process. Despite the setback, McCabe remains in good spirits, and Hawkeye fans showed their appreciation and support for the Nebraska native during the home win.
In McCabe’s absence, Iowa has turned to a combination of Taylor Stremlow and Addie Deal to fill the starting spot. Stremlow, in particular, has stepped up in recent games.
Against Nebraska, she delivered a standout performance - 17 points on a blistering 86% shooting from the field and 75% from three-point range. That kind of efficiency is exactly what the Hawkeyes need as they retool their rotation and look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Next up, Iowa hits the road for a Thursday matchup against Purdue in West Lafayette. With McCabe sidelined for the long haul, the Hawkeyes will continue to lean on their depth, adaptability, and the rising confidence of players like Stremlow to keep their season on track.