Notre Dame Star Hannah Hidalgo Joins Elite Company with Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell
In the world of women’s college basketball, standout players often become more than just athletes—they become icons, shaping the game for future generations. As March Madness continues to shine a spotlight on emerging stars, one name has been making waves, not only in college basketball but across the broader sports landscape: Hannah Hidalgo. The Notre Dame guard has steadily ascended to the top echelons of women’s basketball, joining the ranks of legends such as the Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, two names synonymous with excellence and dominance on the court.
Hidalgo’s rapid rise through the ranks of college basketball and her impressive skill set have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most exciting players. With her combination of elite ball-handling, scoring prowess, and defensive tenacity, she’s now being mentioned in the same breath as some of the brightest stars in the sport—stars who have paved the way for future generations of women in sports.
This article will explore how Hannah Hidalgo has managed to join this elite group of players, what it means for her future, and how her success could influence the landscape of women’s basketball in the years to come.
The Making of a Star: Hannah Hidalgo’s Journey
Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to the top of women’s college basketball is a story of perseverance, hard work, and immense talent. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hidalgo was a standout high school player at St. Joseph’s Prep, where she demonstrated her potential with every game. Her combination of speed, basketball IQ, and ability to score from all areas of the court set her apart from her peers, making her one of the most highly recruited players in the country.
Her decision to play for Notre Dame, a program that has long been known for its excellence, was a major milestone in her career. Under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, a former Notre Dame legend herself, Hidalgo quickly made her mark as one of the most electric players in women’s college basketball.
From her freshman year, it was clear that Hidalgo was no ordinary player. Her transition from high school to college was seamless, with her adaptability and ability to step up in big moments impressing both her coaches and teammates. But what really set Hidalgo apart was her ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Whether it was setting up her teammates with pinpoint passes, scoring with precision, or locking down opponents on defense, Hidalgo’s all-around game quickly made her one of the most talked-about players in the nation.
As she entered her sophomore season, Hidalgo only continued to improve. By her sophomore year, Hidalgo had become a focal point for the Fighting Irish offense. Her scoring output increased significantly, and she consistently put up impressive performances against top-tier opponents in both the ACC and the national tournament. As she helped guide Notre Dame to the Sweet 16, her reputation as one of the most dangerous players in college basketball solidified.
Caitlin Clark: The Benchmark for Excellence
To understand just how significant it is for Hidalgo to be mentioned alongside players like Caitlin Clark, we need to examine what Clark has done for the sport of women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark, the standout guard for the University of Iowa, has redefined what it means to be a point guard in modern basketball. With her deep shooting range, incredible court vision, and ability to score in nearly every way possible, Clark has transformed the expectations for what a player can do on the court. Her dominance in college basketball has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in both women’s and men’s basketball, making her an international sensation.
Clark’s ability to score from anywhere on the court—whether it’s beyond the arc, mid-range, or driving to the basket—has placed her in a class of her own. Her performances during the NCAA tournament have been nothing short of historic, and her impact extends beyond just her on-court play. Clark’s visibility has played a significant role in elevating the profile of women’s basketball, drawing new fans and attention to the game in ways that were previously unimaginable.
For Hidalgo to be placed in the same conversation as Clark is a testament to her potential and growing legacy. While Clark’s accomplishments are legendary, Hidalgo’s future in the game is incredibly promising, and her trajectory mirrors that of Clark’s at a similar stage in her career.
Kelsey Mitchell: A Trailblazer in Women’s Basketball
Kelsey Mitchell, another player whose name is synonymous with scoring excellence, is an essential figure in the discussion of women’s basketball stars. Mitchell, who played for The Ohio State University, is one of the all-time leading scorers in NCAA Division I history. Known for her explosive scoring ability and her leadership on the floor, Mitchell has become an inspiration for countless young players who hope to follow in her footsteps.
What makes Mitchell’s story particularly important is the way she paved the way for future generations of players in women’s basketball. Her ability to put up points in a variety of ways—whether it’s shooting from the perimeter or driving through defenses—has made her one of the most dangerous players of her era. Mitchell’s style of play, characterized by an aggressive yet calculated approach to scoring, has been adopted by many players in today’s game.
Like Mitchell, Hidalgo has shown that she can score at will and has a strong ability to step up in key moments. Although Hidalgo is still building her resume and has not yet reached the scoring heights of Mitchell, she has the potential to follow a similar path and leave a lasting impact on the game.
Hannah Hidalgo’s Place in Women’s Basketball History
While it’s important to acknowledge the immense talent of players like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, the key takeaway here is that Hannah Hidalgo is carving out her own legacy in the sport. What separates Hidalgo from other players is her ability to take inspiration from some of the best to ever play the game and use that inspiration to fuel her own greatness. The comparisons to Clark and Mitchell may be early, but they speak volumes about the respect that Hidalgo has already earned at such a young stage in her career.
One of Hidalgo’s defining characteristics is her versatility. As a guard, she is capable of playing multiple positions, creating opportunities for her teammates, and contributing in a variety of ways. Her ability to score the ball, her vision on offense, and her determination on defense make her one of the most complete players in the country.
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, it’s clear that Hidalgo’s talent will only continue to evolve. She’s not just a future star—she’s a present-day star with the ability to compete with the best of the best. If she continues on this trajectory, there is no doubt that she will be remembered alongside the likes of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell as one of the greats to ever play the game.
The Impact of Hidalgo’s Rise on Women’s Basketball
Hannah Hidalgo’s rise to stardom represents something much bigger than individual success. It signals the continued growth and development of women’s basketball on a national and global scale. With players like Hidalgo, Clark, and Mitchell leading the charge, the visibility of women’s basketball is increasing exponentially. These athletes are paving the way for the next generation of players who will continue to elevate the game, break barriers, and inspire young girls to pick up a basketball and chase their dreams.
Moreover, the recognition of players like Hidalgo also highlights the increasing importance of college women’s basketball. As the sport continues to grow, there is a greater emphasis on developing talent at the collegiate level, and players like Hidalgo are benefitting from this focus. The exposure that college players are receiving is unmatched, and the opportunities for players to continue their careers at the professional level are becoming more abundant, thanks to the continued success of the WNBA.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hannah Hidalgo?
As of now, the future looks incredibly bright for Hannah Hidalgo. With a growing reputation as one of the most dynamic players in women’s college basketball, her next steps will likely include further improvement as a player, a potential WNBA draft pick, and perhaps even an opportunity to represent her country on the international stage. However, the biggest question may be how she will continue to evolve as a player and what legacy she will leave behind when it’s all said and done.
If her past performances are any indication, Hannah Hidalgo will continue to rise through the ranks and add her name to the list of women’s basketball legends.