Hannah Hidalgo Makes History: Notre Dame Star Claims 2025 John R. Wooden Award, Solidifying Her Legacy in College Basketball

When Notre Dame women’s basketball star Hannah Hidalgo stepped onto the college hardwood for the first time, expectations were already sky-high. As one of the most electrifying recruits in the nation, her blend of grit, skill, and sheer tenacity had fans and coaches alike projecting greatness. But few could have predicted just how swiftly she would ascend to the top of the college basketball world. Now, after a season that redefined excellence, Hidalgo has been officially crowned the 2025 John R. Wooden Award winner—college basketball’s highest individual honor.

For Notre Dame, the moment is monumental. For Hidalgo, it’s historic.

The John R. Wooden Award, named after the legendary UCLA coach, represents more than statistical dominance. It honors the complete player: on-court brilliance, leadership, integrity, and influence on winning. By claiming the prestigious hardware, Hidalgo joins an elite lineage of women’s basketball legends, including Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark. But what sets Hidalgo apart is that she’s done it as a sophomore—just her second year in college—and with the swagger of a veteran who’s been through countless battles.

What Hannah Hidalgo accomplished in the 2024–25 season is nothing short of extraordinary. She led the Fighting Irish to a dominant campaign in the ACC, consistently ranking among the top five in both scoring and steals nationally. On offense, her quick first step, fearlessness driving to the hoop, and ability to create space made her nearly impossible to guard. She averaged over 23 points per game while shooting efficiently from both the field and the free-throw line.

But Hidalgo isn’t just a scorer—she’s a disruptor. Defensively, she was a menace. Her average of 4.2 steals per game had opposing guards constantly on edge. Her anticipation, quick hands, and understanding of passing lanes helped Notre Dame become one of the most aggressive, turnover-forcing defenses in the country. In many games, her steals directly translated to easy transition points—momentum-shifting plays that swung games in Notre Dame’s favor.

Beyond the numbers, though, was Hidalgo’s leadership. Notre Dame’s team was filled with talent, but Hidalgo was the engine. She brought energy every night. Whether it was taking a charge, diving for a loose ball, or encouraging her teammates in a huddle, her intensity was contagious. Teammates often spoke about how she led not just with words, but with actions. And as the season progressed, so did her influence. She elevated everyone around her.

One of the defining moments of the season came during the ACC Championship Game. Notre Dame, trailing by double digits early, seemed on the verge of collapse. But Hidalgo refused to let the Irish fold. She ignited a 15-point run with two steals, a three-pointer, and an and-one drive that turned the arena into a frenzy. She finished with 28 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals, securing Notre Dame’s first ACC title in four years. That game became a microcosm of what she meant to the team: resilience, fire, and unrelenting drive.

Her coach, Niele Ivey, has long believed Hidalgo was destined for greatness. “Hannah is special,” Ivey said after the award announcement. “She brings everything you want in a leader and a competitor. Her work ethic, her passion—she elevates the game, and it’s a joy to coach someone who gives you everything every single day. This award is not just for her; it’s for our program, our fans, and everyone who believes in what we’re building here at Notre Dame.”

In the broader landscape of women’s college basketball, Hidalgo’s win signals a shift in the conversation. For the last few years, players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers dominated headlines—and rightly so. But Hidalgo, with her unique blend of speed, toughness, and playmaking, has carved out a space entirely her own. Her style is different—more grit than glitz, more hustle than highlight—but it’s equally effective. Her presence in the game represents the next evolution of the women’s sport: players who are as tenacious on defense as they are gifted on offense.

The Wooden Award also carries significant meaning off the court. It recognizes players who embody character and community service, and Hidalgo has embraced that responsibility. Throughout the season, she was active in South Bend, working with local youth basketball clinics and supporting community development programs. She’s repeatedly emphasized the importance of being a role model, particularly for young girls of color who look to her as inspiration. “Representation matters,” she said in one interview. “If I can show someone that they can dream big, then it’s all worth it.”

As Notre Dame looks toward the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the spotlight on Hidalgo will only grow. Expectations will be sky-high, and now, with the Wooden Award in hand, she carries the added pressure of being the face of women’s college basketball. But if her past is any indication, she’ll thrive under it.

Teammate Sonia Citron summed it up best after a key victory late in the season: “Hannah doesn’t shy away from the moment. She lives for it.”

That attitude has transformed her into more than a star—it’s made her a cultural icon in the making. Her jersey is among the best-selling in women’s basketball. Her highlight reels regularly go viral. And her NIL presence is expanding, with brands lining up to partner with a player who not only performs on the court but speaks authentically off it.

In winning the Wooden Award, Hidalgo has further solidified her place in Notre Dame’s rich basketball legacy. From Ruth Riley to Skylar Diggins-Smith, the Irish have produced some of the game’s best—and now, Hidalgo sits firmly among them. What’s more exciting is that she’s only scratching the surface of what she can achieve. With another year (or more) in college ahead, and the possibility of a deep NCAA Tournament run, her story is far from over.

The 2025 Wooden Award will be remembered as the year of Hannah Hidalgo—a season defined by relentless hustle, highlight-reel performances, and the emergence of a player who captured the hearts of fans across the nation. And in a sport that’s rapidly growing and evolving, she stands as a beacon of what’s next.

From the first whistle of the season to the final buzzer, Hidalgo didn’t just play basketball—she redefined how it could be played. With a ball in her hands and fire in her heart, she’s become a symbol of excellence for Notre Dame and for women’s college basketball as a whole.

And now, with the Wooden Award gleaming on her mantle, Hannah Hidalgo’s legend is just beginning.