BREAKING: Notre Dame Set to Honor Young Sensational Star Hannah Hidalgo With a Historic Award After Winning Another ACC’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year
South Bend, IN – Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball has officially announced plans to honor their sensational sophomore guard, Hannah Hidalgo, with a historic award after an extraordinary season that has seen her dominate the ACC. Following her recent achievement of being named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Hidalgo’s stellar performances have not only helped elevate the team’s standing but have solidified her place as one of the brightest stars in college basketball.
This remarkable achievement comes after an incredibly successful season for the Fighting Irish, who are in the midst of a championship run. Hannah Hidalgo’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor—whether it’s scoring at will, dishing out assists, or locking down the opposing team’s best players—has been a key component of Notre Dame’s success.
A Historic Award for an Unstoppable Talent
The Notre Dame athletic department has announced that they will be presenting Hannah Hidalgo with the Notre Dame Athlete of the Year Award, a prestigious honor reserved for athletes who have had an outstanding impact on their team and sport. Hidalgo’s incredible season, marked by her Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year accolades, is the defining moment that has earned her this historic recognition.
“I am incredibly proud of Hannah and all that she has accomplished this season,” said Niele Ivey, head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. “Her work ethic, her focus, and her leadership on and off the court have been nothing short of remarkable. She has elevated this team to new heights, and this award is a testament to her commitment, both as an athlete and as a leader. We are excited to see all the incredible things she will continue to achieve.”
The Notre Dame Athlete of the Year Award will be presented to Hidalgo at a special ceremony in the coming weeks. The award will not only recognize her accomplishments this season but also highlight the extraordinary impact she’s had on her team, her university, and the women’s basketball community as a whole.
Hannah Hidalgo: A Season for the Ages
This past season, Hannah Hidalgo has been a tour de force for Notre Dame. The sophomore guard is averaging an impressive 19.6 points per game, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 steals per game, playing a key role in the team’s success across the board. Her defensive prowess, quick hands, and ability to disrupt offensive schemes have earned her the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, further solidifying her as a dual-threat on both ends of the court.
In addition to her accolades, Hidalgo’s ability to come through in clutch moments has made her a leader on the court for Notre Dame. Whether it’s sinking a crucial basket in the closing moments or locking down the opponent’s top scorer, she has consistently stepped up when it matters most.
Recognition of Excellence: Player and Defensive Player of the Year
Winning the ACC Player of the Year is an incredible honor in itself, but doing so alongside Defensive Player of the Year shows just how complete of a player Hannah Hidalgo has become. Her scoring ability is well-known, but it’s her commitment to defense that truly sets her apart from her peers. Hidalgo has made a name for herself by being a complete player, excelling in all aspects of the game.
“I’m really grateful to be named Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year,” Hidalgo shared. “But I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches, and all the people who’ve supported me along the way. This is just the beginning for us as a team, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Her ability to score in a variety of ways, including her deadly mid-range game, sharp three-point shooting, and her ability to finish at the rim, makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, what truly makes Hidalgo a standout player is her intensity on defense, where she has excelled at forcing turnovers, guarding the ball handler, and disrupting passing lanes. Her tenacity on both ends of the floor has made her a household name and one of the top players to watch in women’s college basketball.
Building the Future of Notre Dame Basketball
With Hannah Hidalgo leading the charge, Notre Dame women’s basketball looks poised for continued success. The team, already one of the most dominant programs in the nation, has built a championship-caliber squad around Hidalgo’s leadership and abilities. Coach Niele Ivey has expressed nothing but excitement about the direction the program is headed, and Hidalgo’s contributions on the floor have only fueled that optimism.
“This is just the start of something really special for Hannah and for Notre Dame,” Ivey said. “She has the potential to continue breaking records and leading this team to even greater heights. I’m incredibly proud of her, and I know that this is just the beginning of what will be an extraordinary career.”
As Hidalgo continues to lead Notre Dame through the NCAA Tournament and toward a potential national championship, it’s clear that she is already one of the most electrifying and impactful players in the country. The sky is the limit for this talented young star, and her historic season is only the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable career.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hannah Hidalgo?
As Hannah Hidalgo looks forward to the next chapter of her career at Notre Dame, she remains focused on her goal of bringing a national championship to the Fighting Irish. Her success in the ACC, paired with her leadership and all-around skill set, has positioned her as a key figure in college basketball for years to come.
With a bright future ahead and a national spotlight on her, Hannah Hidalgo is a player who will continue to make waves and inspire future generations of athletes. Notre Dame fans are excited to see where this remarkable talent takes the program next, and with her continued growth and determination, there’s no telling how far Hidalgo can go.
Congratulations to Hannah Hidalgo on her historic achievements this season, and for earning the Notre Dame Athlete of the Year Award! The future is bright for this rising star.