McCabe's incredible accomplishments are sometimes overlooked, but she'll go down as one of the most beloved players in program history.
When someone mentions Iowa women's basketball 10 years from now, the first name that comes to mind will undoubtedly be Caitlin Clark.
The program wouldn't even be in everyday discussion circles if it weren't for Clark's remarkable career that resulted in consecutive national championship game appearances, but Clark hasn't been the only popular figure to grace the Carver-Hawkeye Arena hardwood during the golden age of Iowa women's basketball - far from it.
Key role players on those iconic Final Four teams like Kate Martin, Molly Davis, Monika Czinano, and Gabbie Marshall will always hold a special place in the hearts of Iowans, but there's one name that will also be etched in everyone's minds for years to come - Taylor McCabe.
McCabe didn't earn much playing time as an underclassmen during Iowa's championship runs, but she'll still finish her career as a beloved Hawkeye.
That career was supposed to end with a deep run in the NCAA tournament, but it came to an abrupt halt on Sunday afternoon. Just 23 seconds into Iowa's showdown with Ohio State, McCabe suddenly crumpled down to the floor.
Later replays confirmed it was a non-contact injury - arguably the worst in sports. Hawkeye fans remained optimistic McCabe would return to the court, but everyone's worst fears were confirmed on Monday afternoon when Iowa announced McCabe tore her ACL and would miss the rest of her senior season.
The announcement was a devastating blow to McCabe and the Hawkeyes, but what stood out to me was McCabe's message on social media after the game.
"I appreciate everyone reaching out today! I would also appreciate it everyone would send well wishes and prayers to my sister Peyton, who suffered a severe injury in her Drake Basketball game today."
Just 90 minutes after McCabe's injury, her younger sister, Peyton, suffered an ankle injury while playing for Drake and didn't return. The Bulldogs haven't released any additional details about Peyton's injury, but her older sister's message was a trademark.
McCabe didn't want the attention focused on herself, she wanted it shine on her injured sister. Anyone who's followed Iowa for awhile isn't surprised by that, because that's exactly the type of person McCabe is.
The 5-foot-9 sharpshooter from Fremont, Nebraska could've transferred to another program after seeing limited playing time during her first two seasons at Iowa, but she instead chose to stay the course.
McCabe started in 19 of the Hawkeyes' 34 games (including the final 17) in 2024-25 before earning the nod again this year. Her splits weren't mind-boggling - 8.1 points, 3.5 boards, and 2.3 assists per game - but she continued to shoot lights out from distance (37.4%) and improved her defense.
The improved defense fulfilled an important message head coach Jan Jensen tells every player on the team.
“Everyone’s time will come at some point. It’s just a matter of if you’re going to be ready for it when it does," McCabe told The Des Moines Register at Iowa media day on Oct. 14.
Though it took longer than she expected, McCabe's time did come, and she thrived. Any role - no matter how much she would be involved in the gameplan - was perfect for McCabe, and it was only a matter of time before the Hawkeye faithful picked up on that.
Each time McCabe pulled the trigger on one of her signature three-point attempts, all 15,000 fans inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena would stand with anticipation. It didn't matter if the shot went in, the crowd just appreciated McCabe's presence on the floor.
But plenty of those shots did go in. McCabe will finish her career as one of the best three-point shooters in Iowa women's basketball history, and currently ties Kristi Smith for the best career three-point percentage in program history (.407).
Though her career is unfortunately cut short, don't be surprised to see McCabe encouraging her young teammates on the sidelines. The Hawkeyes will miss McCabe's shooting, but her leadership will still be there.
McCabe will do everything she can to win, and that's why she'll go down as a beloved Hawkeye.
"Every coach will tell you that you need that one kid who’s undaunted and just wants to win,” Jensen told The Des Moines Register on Oct. 14. “(McCabe) has always wanted to win, from her freshman year to now. And she’ll do whatever that team needs.”