Lucy Olsen posts encouraging 1-word reaction for Iowa teammate’s cold IG video

Senior guard Lucy Olsen is leading the Iowa Hawkeyes' new era after the historic back-to-back Final Four runs. With Caitlin Clark and the rest of the iconic experienced seniors graduating from the program, the time has come for younger players to take charge.

One such player is the junior Taylor McCabe. The Hawkeyes posted a video hyping the guard on Instagram on Thursday with the caption:

"Stay ready. Stay hungry."

Lucy Olsen cheered on her teammate in the comments, writing:

"Tuffff."

Lucy Olsen's comment (Credits: Instagram/@iowawbb)

Taylor McCabe played just 8.1 minutes per game last season and averaged 3.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. However, for the 2024-25 season, the guard is averaging 18.0 minutes across the first three games with 9.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per outing.

She scored her highest in the 97-54 win over the Toledo Rockets on Wednesday, finishing with 14 points and four rebounds while coming off the bench. Coach Jan Jensen shared her thoughts on McCabe's increase in minutes and performance with reporters (via The Daily Iowan):

“I just feel like there’s always a little disappointment, and there should be because we all want to start. But that’s what I love about Taylor McCabe, one of the many things.

“Taylor handled that beautifully. She’s going to play a pivotal role for us, and that’s where I was thrilled to see her respond like that. I’ll have her take [the shots] until the cows come home.”

---

Lucy Olsen successfully leads the charge in a new Hawkeyes era

Amid many doubts and a noticeable absence from pre-season rankings, the Iowa Hawkeyes began their 2024-25 campaign. In the first game against Northern Illinois, Lucy Olsen scored 19 points, four rebounds and seven assists, leading the Hawkeyes to a 91-73 win.

Olsen had 20 points and six rebounds in the 71-52 win over Virginia Tech and 14 points, two rebounds and four assists against Toledo. The guard has taken charge and is raising hopes for the new Iowa era.

While Olsen is recognized as Caitlin Clark's replacement, coach Jan Jensen pointed out the difference between the two and areas where the Villanova transfer can contribute.

“(Olsen) doesn't shoot it from Kinnick (Stadium). She shoots it from the normal 3-point line. She can pass it, but she's not going to maybe make that three-quarter length pass.

"And when she shoots, a lot of them are going to be in that mid-range area. So I think there's a fun style to her play that's exciting to watch, because it's all crafty.”

With the winning start to their season, the Iowa Hawkeyes will next play against Drake Bulldogs on Sunday.