In a momentous announcement that has captured the attention of the college and international basketball communities, Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo has been named the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. This prestigious award represents not only the culmination of her extraordinary journey through collegiate ranks but also acknowledges her stellar performances on the global stage. At just 20 years old, Hidalgo has already accumulated a resume that would be the envy of players twice her age, and this honor shines a spotlight on just how impactful her presence has been for both her university and her country.
The origins of this award trace back to her incredible play with USA Basketball’s U19 team at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Madrid, where she earned gold and left a lasting impression through her commanding statistics. Averaging 10.7 points and 5.4 assists per game and setting single-game records with eight steals and 13 assists, Hidalgo emerged as a complete player—someone who could influence the outcome of games in multiple ways . Such a display of dominance on the international stage is precisely what earned her the award over even established WNBA stars, a testament to the high regard in which USA Basketball holds her.
Within Notre Dame’s blue-and-gold, Hidalgo’s sophomore campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. She currently averages an astonishing 23.8 points per game—the highest single-season scoring average in program history—along with 4.6 steals per game, which also tops the university record books . Alongside her offensive explosion, she’s proven to be a two-way engine, anchoring defenses with both her on-ball pressure and instinctive playmaking. Those defensive chops didn’t go unnoticed; she was recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year, becoming only the fourth sophomore ever to earn the latter honor .
Hidalgo’s presence on court has redefined both her team and the expectations of ACC competition. She’s led Notre Dame to conference dominance and earned repeated weekly national honors, including postseason semifinalist spots for the Naismith College Player of the Year and the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year—rallying national attention and praise for her rare versatility . Alongside teammates like Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron, she’s helped sustain Notre Dame’s place among the nation’s elite while simultaneously carving out her own niche as the team’s standout star.
The impact of this award extends well beyond individual accolades. As USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, Hidalgo joins a prestigious lineage of players whose talent, character, and leadership on the international stage elevated their game—and inspired the next generation. Her name now appears alongside those of past honorees who translated youth team success into fruitful professional careers. At Notre Dame, her influence has already reshaped the program’s identity: she is the fastest player in school history to reach 1,000 career points, having done so in just 44 games—a remarkable feat in its own right .
It’s no coincidence that she continues to garner recognition at the highest levels domestically: she was selected for the AmeriCup trials, aiming to earn a spot on Team USA’s Women’s AmeriCup squad this summer in Chile. This opportunity highlights not just her continued potential but USA Basketball’s faith in her ability to become a sustained presence on senior national teams . The possibility of international tournament play in Santiago—and the chance to qualify for the FIBA World Cup—marks a turning point in her career, representing a bridge between collegiate accomplishments and potential professional glory.
Behind every player’s success is a culture that fosters growth, and Notre Dame’s system under coach Niele Ivey has proven especially conducive. Ivey’s leadership, along with the mentorship of senior peers and a stellar supporting cast, has provided a fertile ground for Hidalgo’s development. With multiple NCAA tournament appearances, ACC titles, and personal growth milestones as backdrop, the synergy between a coach’s vision and a player’s talent is evident in Hidalgo’s continued breakout .
The award also carries deep significance for the landscape of women’s basketball. In an era that increasingly celebrates two-way excellence, Hidalgo epitomizes the modern trend: a guard who can score with efficiency, create for teammates, lock down defensively, and make instant impact across all facets of the game. Her emergence signals a shift in scouting priorities and serves as a role model for aspiring players who aim to elevate all facets of their own performance.
That she has accomplished all this by her sophomore season is a testament to her relentless work ethic. Her freshman year already read like a hall of fame résumé: triple-doubles, program records, ACC defensive and rookie awards, and ACC tournament MVP were just the start. Now, she builds on that base with All-American honors again, national award nominations, and the country’s top individual honor in USA basketball. It’s a progression that signals the arrival of a generational talent.
The timing of this launch pad is critical. As Hidalgo eyes a potential return to postseason play, a strong leadership presence will be vital. The trials in Colorado Springs could open the door to an intensified summer schedule featuring USA Basketball events against professional players from around the globe. Such experience would sharpen her edges before what promises to be a pivotal junior campaign and a future professional season.
Notre Dame’s profile as a pillar of women’s basketball—bolstered by past stars like Skylar Diggins and Arike Ogunbowale—will shine even brighter with a talent of Hidalgo’s caliber at the forefront. Her story, still unfolding, has already taken center stage on campuses, television broadcasts, and international tournaments. She’s charting a path of university records, conference dominance, and growing national relevance. And while she has already accomplished more than many could in years, the media spotlight she now occupies suggests that the best chapters may still lie ahead.
In a sport where narratives can shift quickly, Hannah Hidalgo has taken command of hers. USA Basketball’s honor is more than an award—it’s recognition of her place in the sport’s future. As she takes her next steps—through summer trials, ACC tournaments, NCAA runs, and perhaps eventually professional arenas—Hidalgo will carry with her the momentum of being named the nation’s top female basketball athlete. That mantle demands continued leadership, continued growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her journey has just begun, but the headlines already reflect a player who transcends statistics, blending talent with tenacity to inspire teammates and fans alike. The award underscores how central she has become to both Notre Dame’s identity and USA Basketball’s vision for the future. Looking ahead, expect every dribble, assist, takeaway, and clutch bucket to carry even greater weight—not just for a team or a conference, but for a sport evolving on the strength of its rising stars.
This story is far from finished. It is, instead, an elegant opening chapter in what promises to be a career defined by drive, impact, and memory-making moments. USA Basketball saw it first. Now, the rest of the basketball world is watching. – onefootdown.com
