The Taylor McCabe injury sent a wave of concern through Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday, but it also brought out something powerful: gratitude. After going down with a non-contact knee injury during Iowa’s win over Ohio State, the senior guard didn’t just focus on herself. Instead, she turned to Hawkeye fans with a heartfelt message of thanks and a plea for prayers not only for her, but for her injured sister as well.
Iowa Women’s Basketball Starts a New Era in Iowa City
Early in the first quarter, the tone of what had started out as a dominant afternoon for No. 10 Iowa against No. 11 Ohio State quickly changed. The sold-out crowd fell silent when McCabe collapsed due to a left knee injury during the Buckeyes’ first possession. It was a heavy moment. It was evident throughout the building one of those moments when a basketball seems so insignificant.
As teammates and supporters looked on in concerned silence, McCabe was quickly assisted off the court and led through the locker room tunnel. Later, at the beginning of the second quarter, she was back on the bench wearing street clothes and had a big ice pack around her knee. While the game went on, teammates gave her hugs and quiet words of support.
After the game, McCabe thanked fans on social media for reaching out, despite the uncertainty surrounding her status.
”Thank you to everyone who reached out today!” she wrote. “My sister Peyton sustained a serious injury during her Drake basketball game today, so I would also appreciate it if everyone could send her well wishes and prayers.”
The McCabe family’s already challenging day was made even more difficult by the emotional turn of events. Peyton, Taylor’s sister, sustained a severe injury to her right lower leg while playing for Drake earlier that day, while Taylor was coping with her own injury in Iowa City. One long night, two sisters, two wounds.
Taylor McCabe Injury Shakes Iowa’s Backcourt
The timing of Taylor McCabe’s injury couldn’t have been more difficult. With an average of 8.5 points per game this season, the 5-foot-9 senior guard from Fremont, Nebraska, has been a reliable member of the Hawkeyes. With 20 starts and 28.5 minutes per game, she is shooting 37.8% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc.
Although those figures aren’t always immediately apparent on the stat sheet, McCabe’s significance goes beyond percentages. She is the type of player coaches rely on when games get close because of her leadership, toughness, and experience. Iowa would have to reorganize its rotation and rely more on younger guards if she were to disappear, even for a short while.
The Hawkeyes and head coach Jan Jensen are currently awaiting additional medical information to assess the extent of the knee injury. Concern is always raised by non-contact injuries, particularly when they occur abruptly and without a clear collision. The unease was heightened by witnessing McCabe being lifted off the ground.
Nevertheless, Iowa was able to maintain concentration and overtake Ohio State in what turned out to be a decisive victory. Although the team’s performance demonstrated their depth and resolve, their injured teammate continued to be the night’s emotional focal point.
McCabe watched the remainder of the game from the bench, surrounded by teammates who made it obvious she wasn’t going it alone. The picture of a seasoned player covered in ice and surrounded by teammates conveyed as much about Iowa’s culture as the outcome.
Timelines are now the main concern for fans. Will McCabe be back in a few weeks? Months? Or is this season suddenly in danger? The support from Hawkeye Nation is the only thing that is certain until official word is released.
Iowa guard Chit-Chat Wright advances the ball
And McCabe deflected attention in a situation that might have easily been all about anxiety and annoyance. Her message had nothing to do with suffering or disappointment. It was about family and thankfulness.
It’s unfortunate that two sisters were hurt on the same day, but it also exposed a deeper issue. Taylor McCabe continued to think about someone else even as she dealt with her own setback. That reveals a lot about her as a person as well as a player.
Iowa coach reacts to Taylor McCabe injury
Iowa waits for now. Supporters have hope. Without ever returning to the court, a senior guard who is more well-known for her steady play than her dramatic moments gave one of the season’s most important messages.
