Breaking: Hannah Hidalgo, a guard for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, has been named the sporting news national player of the year.
In a remarkable achievement, Hannah Hidalgo, a standout guard for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, has been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year. This prestigious honor, given annually to the best player in college basketball, recognizes Hidalgo’s exceptional skills, leadership, and undeniable impact on the court throughout the season. Her journey to this point has been one of hard work, perseverance, and consistent excellence, and this accolade is a testament to her outstanding performance.
Hannah Hidalgo’s story begins long before her emergence as a national star in college basketball. Born and raised in a basketball-loving family, she was exposed to the sport at a very young age. Her father, a former player, instilled in her a deep understanding of the game’s fundamentals. Hidalgo’s natural talent was apparent early on, as she quickly became a standout player in high school basketball. Her leadership on the court, combined with her work ethic and basketball IQ, made her one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
Her high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including state championships and all-American honors, but it was her ability to dominate in both scoring and playmaking that set her apart from her peers. Hidalgo’s recruitment to Notre Dame was a pivotal moment, as she had the chance to play under one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball, Niele Ivey, who had recently taken over the program. Ivey’s belief in Hidalgo’s potential would set the stage for the next chapter of her career.
Since stepping onto the campus of Notre Dame, Hidalgo has been nothing short of exceptional. In her first season, she immediately made an impact, earning a starting spot and quickly becoming a key contributor to the Fighting Irish’s success. However, it wasn’t just her statistics that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike; it was her leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to elevate the play of her teammates.
Hidalgo’s game is characterized by a combination of scoring prowess, court vision, and defensive tenacity. As a guard, she has the unique ability to both facilitate the offense and score efficiently from multiple areas of the floor. Whether it’s hitting deep three-pointers, driving to the basket with finesse, or setting up her teammates for easy baskets, Hidalgo has shown that she is more than capable of handling the responsibility that comes with being the focal point of a high-profile program.
Throughout her time at Notre Dame, Hidalgo has demonstrated the versatility and skillset that makes her one of the best in the nation. Her leadership has helped transform the Fighting Irish into perennial contenders for national championships, and her performances in big games have earned her a reputation as one of the most clutch players in college basketball.
The 2025 season marked a new high point in Hidalgo’s career. From the opening game, she displayed the ability to take over a game in a variety of ways. Her all-around play was integral to Notre Dame’s success, and her impact was felt in every facet of the game. Whether it was leading the team in scoring, facilitating the offense with timely assists, or playing stifling defense, Hidalgo proved herself as the heart and soul of the Fighting Irish.
Throughout the season, Hidalgo’s statistics were extraordinary. She averaged over 20 points per game, a feat that speaks to her scoring ability, but it was her ability to contribute in multiple areas that made her truly stand out. Her assists numbers were consistently high, often ranking among the best in the country, and her defense was just as impressive. Hidalgo’s intensity on both ends of the floor was a driving force behind Notre Dame’s success, as she set the tone for her teammates with her relentless effort.
One of the most memorable aspects of Hidalgo’s season was her ability to perform in high-pressure situations. In key games against ranked opponents, she repeatedly delivered clutch performances that swung the momentum in Notre Dame’s favor. Whether it was hitting a game-winning shot, grabbing an important rebound, or making a key defensive stop, Hidalgo was always in the right place at the right time. Her maturity and composure under pressure were qualities that set her apart from other players.
Beyond her remarkable play on the court, Hidalgo’s leadership and influence off the court have been equally important to her success. As a leader, she has inspired her teammates with her work ethic, commitment to the game, and willingness to put the team first. Hidalgo’s approach to leadership is not about seeking the spotlight but about making those around her better. She has shown an innate ability to motivate her teammates, help them develop, and keep them focused on the team’s ultimate goal: a national championship.
Her work ethic is legendary. In addition to her team practices, Hidalgo is often seen working on her individual skills, whether it’s improving her shooting, refining her dribbling, or studying film. She understands the importance of constantly evolving as a player, and her commitment to self-improvement has paid off in spades. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has set a high standard for future generations of Notre Dame players.
Off the court, Hidalgo is also a role model. She is involved in various community initiatives and is known for her charitable work. Whether it’s volunteering at local schools or mentoring younger players, Hidalgo uses her platform to make a positive impact in the community. Her humility and dedication to helping others have made her not only a star on the court but also a respected figure off it.
Being named the Sporting News National Player of the Year is a monumental achievement for any player, and for Hidalgo, it marks the culmination of a dream season. This honor is reserved for players who exhibit excellence in every aspect of the game, and Hidalgo’s play has checked every box. From her scoring and playmaking to her leadership and defense, she has proven herself to be the best player in college basketball.
Hidalgo’s recognition as National Player of the Year is not just a reflection of her talent; it is also a recognition of the hard work and dedication that she has put into her craft. Her rise to this point has been a journey filled with countless hours of practice, sacrifices, and overcoming challenges. This award serves as a fitting acknowledgment of her growth as a player and her impact on the game of basketball.
For the Notre Dame program, Hidalgo’s achievement represents the pinnacle of success. Under the leadership of head coach Niele Ivey, the Fighting Irish have become a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and Hidalgo’s success is a testament to the program’s growth. As the face of Notre Dame basketball, she has set a high bar for future players to follow, and her legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
As Hidalgo prepares for the next phase of her career, the future looks incredibly bright. Her name is already being mentioned as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, and her trajectory suggests she will have an immediate impact at the professional level. However, for now, Hidalgo remains focused on the task at hand—helping Notre Dame achieve its ultimate goal of winning a national championship.
Her journey is far from over, and if the 2025 season is any indication, there are still many more milestones to come. For now, though, she can bask in the glory of being named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, an honor that solidifies her place among the all-time greats in women’s basketball.
In the years to come, Hidalgo will be remembered not just for her exceptional play but also for the leadership, character, and impact she had on the Notre Dame program and the sport of women’s basketball as a whole.
