Notre Dame women’s basketball guard Hannah Hidalgo has been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year
Hannah Hidalgo, the star guard for Notre Dame women’s basketball, has been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, solidifying her position as one of the top players in collegiate women’s basketball. This recognition is a testament to Hidalgo’s extraordinary performance throughout the season, which has earned her admiration from coaches, players, and basketball enthusiasts alike.
This achievement is not just an individual honor, but also a significant moment for Notre Dame’s program and the sport of women’s basketball. Hidalgo’s journey to this prestigious recognition is a story of talent, hard work, and determination. In this article, we will explore the key factors behind Hidalgo’s rise to prominence, the impact of her performance on Notre Dame’s success, and the broader implications of her National Player of the Year award.
1. The Early Beginnings of Hannah Hidalgo’s Career
Hannah Hidalgo’s basketball career began long before she arrived at Notre Dame. Growing up in New Jersey, she was introduced to the game of basketball at a young age. Her family played a significant role in nurturing her passion for the sport. As a child, Hidalgo would often play pick-up games with her siblings and participate in local basketball leagues. Her love for the game was evident from the start, and she quickly developed into a skilled and competitive player.
In high school, Hidalgo gained widespread attention for her exceptional talent. As a member of the Paul VI High School basketball team, she quickly became one of the top prospects in the country. Her performances on the court were nothing short of spectacular, earning her numerous accolades, including All-American honors. Her ability to score, distribute the ball, and lead her team to victory set her apart from her peers. Hidalgo’s work ethic and basketball IQ were on full display during her high school career, making her one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country.
By the time Hidalgo graduated from high school, she had already solidified her reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the sport. Her decision to commit to Notre Dame was a major step in her basketball journey, as she joined one of the most successful and prestigious programs in women’s college basketball history.
2. The Notre Dame Impact
Hannah Hidalgo’s decision to attend Notre Dame was a game-changer for the Fighting Irish. The university’s women’s basketball program has long been a powerhouse, consistently competing at the highest levels and winning multiple NCAA championships. Joining a program with such a rich tradition of excellence was both a challenge and an opportunity for Hidalgo, who was determined to make an immediate impact.
From her very first season with the Fighting Irish, it was clear that Hidalgo was a player who could change the game. Her exceptional court vision and basketball intelligence allowed her to quickly adapt to the college game, and she quickly became a leader on the floor. Hidalgo’s impact was immediate, as she contributed to Notre Dame’s success both offensively and defensively.
One of the key aspects of Hidalgo’s game is her versatility. As a guard, she possesses the ability to score in a variety of ways, from driving to the basket to knocking down three-pointers. Her ball-handling skills are second to none, allowing her to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. Additionally, Hidalgo’s defensive prowess makes her a threat on both ends of the floor. Her quickness, anticipation, and ability to read the game make her a disruptive force on defense, often forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities.
Under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, Hidalgo’s game continued to evolve, and her role within the team grew more significant. With each passing season, she became more confident and more dominant on the court. Her leadership and ability to step up in critical moments became defining features of her game, and she helped elevate Notre Dame’s program to new heights.
3. A Dominant Season
The 2024-2025 season was a historic one for Hannah Hidalgo and the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Throughout the season, Hidalgo’s individual performances were nothing short of spectacular. She played an instrumental role in Notre Dame’s success, both in regular-season games and during the NCAA tournament.
Offensively, Hidalgo was a force to be reckoned with. Her scoring ability was on full display as she regularly put up impressive numbers. Whether it was scoring 30 points in a game or hitting clutch shots when her team needed them most, Hidalgo was a reliable offensive option for the Fighting Irish. Her ability to score in transition, attack the rim, and knock down long-range shots made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. In addition to her scoring, Hidalgo was an outstanding playmaker, averaging a high number of assists per game. Her court vision and unselfishness allowed her to create scoring opportunities for her teammates, further showcasing her all-around game.
One of Hidalgo’s most impressive attributes is her ability to perform under pressure. Throughout the season, she proved time and time again that she could take over games in crucial moments. Whether it was a tight game late in the fourth quarter or a high-stakes matchup against a top-ranked opponent, Hidalgo’s composure and poise under pressure were key factors in Notre Dame’s success.
Defensively, Hidalgo was equally impactful. Her tenacity and ability to lock down opposing players made her one of the best defenders in the country. She consistently disrupted passing lanes, forced turnovers, and used her quickness to stay in front of her opponents. Hidalgo’s defensive efforts were critical in helping Notre Dame win games, as she was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scorer.
Throughout the season, Hidalgo’s individual statistics were eye-popping. She consistently averaged over 20 points per game, along with a high number of assists and steals. Her scoring ability, combined with her ability to distribute the ball and play tough defense, made her a complete player and one of the most dominant forces in college basketball.
Hidalgo’s consistency and ability to elevate her game in big moments were key factors in Notre Dame’s success. The team finished the regular season with an impressive record, and they entered the NCAA tournament as one of the favorites to win the national championship.
4. National Player of the Year Honors
Hannah Hidalgo’s exceptional performance throughout the 2024-2025 season did not go unnoticed, as she was named the Sporting News National Player of the Year. This prestigious award is given annually to the best player in women’s college basketball, and Hidalgo’s selection was a testament to her incredible skills, leadership, and impact on the game.
Being named National Player of the Year is a rare and significant honor, and it places Hidalgo in the company of some of the greatest players in women’s basketball history. The award recognizes not only individual talent but also the ability to elevate a team and perform in high-pressure situations. Hidalgo’s combination of scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership made her the clear choice for the award.
The recognition also highlights the growing prominence of women’s college basketball. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and visibility, awards like the National Player of the Year serve as a reminder of the incredible talent that exists in women’s basketball. Hidalgo’s success is a reflection of the increasing recognition and respect for female athletes in the world of sports.
5. The Impact of Hidalgo’s Recognition
Hannah Hidalgo’s National Player of the Year award has far-reaching implications, not just for her career, but for the sport as a whole. Her success serves as an inspiration for young athletes, particularly those who aspire to play at the collegiate level. Hidalgo’s journey from a highly touted high school recruit to one of the best players in college basketball is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and self-belief.
In addition to inspiring the next generation of players, Hidalgo’s recognition also shines a spotlight on the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. Under head coach Niele Ivey, the Fighting Irish have continued to build upon their legacy of success, and Hidalgo’s performance is a key part of that ongoing success. As the program looks to build on its rich history, players like Hidalgo are helping to keep Notre Dame at the forefront of women’s college basketball.
Furthermore, Hidalgo’s success is a sign of the increasing importance of women’s sports in the broader cultural conversation. The recognition of players like Hidalgo helps to elevate the visibility of women’s basketball and shows that female athletes are just as deserving of recognition and respect as their male counterparts. As women’s sports continue to gain more attention and investment, players like Hidalgo will play a key role in shaping the future of the game.
Hannah Hidalgo’s recognition as the Sporting News National Player of the Year is a momentous achievement in her career and a significant milestone for women’s college basketball. Her remarkable talent, leadership, and performance on the court have set her apart as one of the best players in the game. Hidalgo’s success is a testament to her hard work and determination, and her impact on Notre Dame’s program and the sport as a whole cannot be overstated.
As Hidalgo continues to excel and break barriers, she will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on women’s basketball. Her National Player of the Year honor is just one of many accomplishments to come, and her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes around the world. The future of women’s basketball is bright, and Hannah Hidalgo is one of its shining stars.
