Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame was named the 2025 John R. Wooden Award winner, solidifying her status as one of college basketball’s top players.
Hannah Hidalgo, the dynamic sophomore guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been named the 2025 John R. Wooden Award winner, an honor that recognizes her as the most outstanding player in women’s college basketball. This prestigious accolade cements Hidalgo’s place among the greats of the sport and acknowledges her dominance throughout the season. Her extraordinary performances, leadership, and resilience have made her one of the most exciting players in college basketball today.
Dominance on the Court
Hidalgo’s sophomore campaign was nothing short of spectacular. She averaged an astounding 27.3 points per game, leading all of Division I in scoring. But her contributions went far beyond scoring. Her 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 4.2 steals per game demonstrated her ability to impact every aspect of the game.
Her shooting efficiency was also remarkable:
- Field Goal Percentage: 47.3%
- Three-Point Percentage: 40.8%
- Free Throw Percentage: 86.3%
These numbers showcase Hidalgo’s elite offensive skill set, as well as her ability to perform under pressure. She consistently made clutch plays when her team needed her most, proving to be a reliable leader throughout the season.
Rising to the Occasion
One of the hallmarks of Hidalgo’s season was her ability to shine in high-stakes matchups. Against top-20 ranked opponents, she averaged 26.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.4 steals per game. Whether facing powerhouse programs or leading late-game comebacks, she displayed a relentless drive and a winning mentality.
Her signature performance came in a showdown against Connecticut, where she put up 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals, leading Notre Dame to a crucial victory. This game solidified her status as the frontrunner for the Wooden Award and showcased her ability to take over games on the biggest stage.
Recognition and Accolades
Hidalgo’s brilliance was recognized on multiple fronts throughout the 2024-25 season. In addition to the Wooden Award, she earned:
- ACC Player of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Consensus First-Team All-American Honors
- Naismith Trophy Finalist
Additionally, she became the first player in Notre Dame history to record five triple-doubles in a single season, further demonstrating her versatility and all-around dominance.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Despite Hidalgo’s incredible individual success, Notre Dame faced challenges as a team. The Fighting Irish advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament but were eliminated by TCU in a 71-62 loss. In that game, Hidalgo was held to 15 points on 3-of-19 shooting, showing the extent to which opposing teams tailored their defensive strategies to slow her down.
Even in defeat, Hidalgo remained composed and demonstrated leadership, vowing to return stronger in the next season. Her resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to her work ethic and character.
The Future of Hannah Hidalgo
With two years of eligibility remaining, Hidalgo has the opportunity to build upon her already impressive legacy at Notre Dame. Given her trajectory, she could become a multi-time Wooden Award winner and a top prospect for the WNBA Draft.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff, led by head coach Niele Ivey, has expressed full confidence in Hidalgo’s ability to lead the team to further success. With key returning players and talented incoming recruits, the Fighting Irish will be a formidable contender in the 2025-26 season.
Hannah Hidalgo’s 2024-25 season was a historic one, defined by her elite scoring, defensive tenacity, and leadership on the court. Winning the John R. Wooden Award is a fitting recognition of her excellence, and with her immense talent and work ethic, the future remains incredibly bright for this rising superstar. College basketball fans can expect even greater things from her in the seasons to come.
