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 season filled with electrifying performances and standout storylines, few players managed to capture the heart and imagination of the basketball world quite like Notre Dame’s dynamic freshman guard, Hannah Hidalgo. On Thursday, that remarkable campaign reached a historic milestone, as Hidalgo was officially named the Sporting News National Player of the Year—an honor that cements her place among the elite in college basketball.

For a player who began the year as a promising freshman, Hidalgo’s meteoric rise from newcomer to national sensation has been nothing short of extraordinary. The honor places her among a rare group of freshmen to earn such distinction, and underscores the seismic impact she has had not only on Notre Dame but on the entire women’s college basketball landscape.

Statistically, Hannah Hidalgo’s numbers jump off the page. She averaged 22.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 4.6 steals per game—placing her among the nation’s leaders in multiple categories. Her relentless energy, tenacious on-ball defense, and dazzling offensive repertoire made her must-see television from the opening tip of the season.

But her impact went far beyond the stat sheet.

Hidalgo was the heartbeat of a young Notre Dame team that fought through injuries, lineup changes, and the burden of high expectations. With her signature headband, fiery spirit, and unwavering confidence, she became the emotional leader of the Fighting Irish, helping them reestablish themselves as a national contender.

“I just try to bring energy every night,” Hidalgo said earlier this season. “Whether we’re up or down, I want my teammates to know I have their back and that I’m going to fight for every possession.”

That competitive fire fueled Notre Dame’s run to the NCAA Tournament and several statement wins over ranked opponents, including a signature performance in a 91–81 victory over NC State in February, when Hidalgo poured in 34 points, dished out six assists, and snagged seven steals.

What makes Hidalgo’s Player of the Year honor even more historic is that she becomes just the second freshman ever to receive the Sporting News award. The first? None other than South Carolina legend and current WNBA All-Star A’ja Wilson, who captured the honor in 2015.

That’s elite company.

Hidalgo also set Notre Dame’s single-season steals record, breaking the long-standing mark set by Niele Ivey—her current head coach and a former standout point guard for the Irish herself. That moment served as a symbolic passing of the torch.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Hannah,” said Ivey. “What she’s done this season is beyond anything I’ve seen from a freshman. Her work ethic, her heart, her passion—it’s contagious. She’s transformed the way we play.”

Indeed, Hidalgo’s presence shifted Notre Dame’s identity. Once known for a methodical half-court style, the Irish became one of the nation’s most aggressive defensive teams, turning defense into instant offense with Hidalgo leading the charge.

She was the tip of the spear, frequently picking up opposing guards full court, generating turnovers, and sparking fast breaks. Her motor never stopped.

Hidalgo’s journey to college stardom began in Haddonfield, New Jersey, where she starred for Paul VI High School and earned McDonald’s All-American honors. Ranked as a top-five recruit nationally, she chose Notre Dame over programs like Stanford, Duke, and South Carolina.

The decision wasn’t just about basketball. It was about legacy.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could build something special,” she said at the time. “Notre Dame felt like family. Coach Ivey believed in me from day one.”

It didn’t take long for her to repay that belief. Hidalgo scored 31 points in her college debut and never looked back, stringing together one of the most dominant freshman seasons in program—and NCAA—history.

While the Sporting News honor is the headline today, it may be only the beginning of a postseason awards haul for Hidalgo. She is also a finalist for the Naismith Trophy, the Wooden Award, and the Wade Trophy, all of which honor the national player of the year.

She’s also expected to be a consensus First-Team All-American and is almost certain to be named the ACC Player of the Year, making her a rare freshman to sweep both conference and national honors.

Hidalgo’s stardom has transcended the college game. She’s amassed a large following on social media, drawn praise from WNBA legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, and even appeared on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Top 10 plays on multiple occasions.

Her viral coast-to-coast layups, lightning-quick steals, and passionate celebrations have made her a fan favorite and a face of the sport’s next generation.

“She plays with such joy,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “It’s impossible not to root for her.”

Beyond the awards and highlights, perhaps the most significant impact Hidalgo has made is in revitalizing the Notre Dame program.

Since their 2018 national championship run under Muffet McGraw, the Fighting Irish had struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and a revolving door of lineups. Hidalgo has been the stabilizing force, bringing back a sense of swagger and purpose.

“She’s brought us back,” said senior forward Maddy Westbeld. “Her presence alone changes the way teams prepare for us. You can’t teach what she has.”

With Hidalgo set to return for at least another season—WNBA draft rules require players to be 22 or three years removed from high school—the future is bright in South Bend. Notre Dame returns a strong core, and Hidalgo will again be the centerpiece.

As a young Afro-Latina woman in a high-profile role, Hidalgo has also emerged as a cultural figure for many fans who see themselves in her story. She’s spoken openly about embracing her Puerto Rican and African-American heritage and using her platform to inspire others.

“There are little girls watching who need to see someone who looks like them doing big things,” Hidalgo said. “That motivates me every day.”

She has also earned the admiration of young players across the country who now wear her No. 3 jersey, try to mimic her defensive intensity, and dream of playing at Notre Dame.

In many ways, she’s not just the best player in the country—she’s the most influential.

For those who prefer analytics, Hidalgo’s advanced metrics also back up her case. She leads all Power 5 players in player efficiency rating (PER), defensive win shares, and steal percentage. Her on/off splits are staggering—Notre Dame was +17.8 points per 100 possessions better with her on the floor.

She scored 20+ points in 20 games, recorded five or more steals in 14 games, and had three triple-doubles across the season.

Simply put: She was everywhere, all the time.

While the national player of the year honor is the pinnacle of individual success, Hidalgo and Notre Dame have unfinished business. After falling short in the ACC Tournament, the Irish have regrouped and are preparing for a deep NCAA Tournament run.

And with Hidalgo leading the way, anything feels possible.

“She’s not just our best player,” Coach Ivey said. “She’s our compass. When she’s locked in, we believe we can beat anyone in the country.”

Whether Notre Dame makes it to the Final Four or not, one thing is clear: Hannah Hidalgo is the future of women’s college basketball—and the future is now.

In a season defined by veteran stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it is fitting that a freshman like Hannah Hidalgo crashed the party and demanded a seat at the table. She didn’t just play with the best—she was the best.

As the newest Sporting News National Player of the Year, Hidalgo’s name now lives alongside legends. But for those who’ve watched her all season, that recognition feels overdue.

Because from the moment she stepped on the court in South Bend, it was clear: A star had been born.