In a season filled with brilliance, grit, and highlight-reel performances, Notre Dame freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo has etched her name into the annals of college basketball history. On Monday morning, Sporting News announced that Hidalgo has been named the 2025 National Player of the Year, cementing her legacy as one of the most electrifying and impactful players to ever wear the Irish uniform—even in just her first season.
Hidalgo’s selection as the National Player of the Year not only marks a milestone for her own young career but also represents a historic achievement for Notre Dame women’s basketball, a program with a proud legacy of excellence, championships, and legendary players. Yet, even in the context of storied stars such as Ruth Riley, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jewell Loyd, Hidalgo’s meteoric rise stands out.
The Journey Begins: Hidalgo’s Immediate Impact
When Hannah Hidalgo arrived in South Bend, expectations were high. Ranked as a five-star recruit and one of the top guards in the 2024 class, Hidalgo brought with her a national reputation as a dynamic scorer, tenacious defender, and passionate competitor. Even so, few could have predicted the seismic impact she would have on the program—and on the nation.
From her very first game, Hidalgo dazzled. She opened the season with a 27-point, 8-assist, 6-steal performance against a Top 25 opponent, instantly putting the college basketball world on notice. As the season wore on, her consistency, leadership, and clutch gene became unmistakable.
She averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and a nation-leading 4.2 steals per game, while shooting 47.2% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. Beyond the numbers, her relentless pace and all-court energy transformed Notre Dame’s tempo and identity. She became not just the heartbeat of the team, but one of the defining players of the 2024–25 college basketball season.
Why She Won: Production Meets Presence
Sporting News has long been recognized as one of the most prestigious outlets to award National Player of the Year honors, and its criteria go beyond sheer stats. Intangibles like leadership, impact, and the ability to elevate those around you carry equal weight.
In all these areas, Hidalgo excelled.
“She’s a generational talent,” said Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey. “But what makes Hannah special isn’t just her skills. It’s her drive, her unselfishness, her desire to compete every second. She makes everyone around her better.”
Hidalgo’s court vision and unteachable instinct for disrupting passing lanes led Notre Dame to lead the ACC in fast-break points and steals. Her motor—rarely matched by anyone in the country—became infectious. Veterans followed her lead, and underclassmen found inspiration in her fearlessness.
Signature Moments: A Season to Remember
While Hidalgo’s dominance was consistent throughout the year, several moments solidified her as the frontrunner for National Player of the Year.
- December 15 vs. UConn – In a highly anticipated matchup, Hidalgo scored 31 points, dished out 7 assists, and recorded 5 steals in a thrilling 84–81 win over the Huskies. Her fourth-quarter takeover turned the tide of the game and underscored her status as a big-game performer.
- January 12 at Louisville – Facing a hostile crowd and an elite defensive team, Hidalgo scored 26 points and had 9 assists while committing just one turnover. Her game control and composure under pressure were lauded by analysts across the country.
- ACC Tournament Semifinal vs. NC State – Hidalgo recorded the first triple-double of her career: 22 points, 11 assists, and 10 steals. It was a defensive masterclass that demonstrated her uncanny timing and hands, helping the Irish advance to the ACC championship game.
- NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 vs. Texas – With Notre Dame trailing by 8 late in the third quarter, Hidalgo erupted for 14 points in the final 11 minutes, including a game-winning jumper with 2.3 seconds left. The moment became an instant classic.
Elevating a Legacy Program
Notre Dame is no stranger to success in women’s basketball. Under Muffet McGraw and now Niele Ivey, the program has captured two national championships (2001, 2018) and appeared in nine Final Fours. Yet, the post-Ogunbowale era was marked by inconsistency and rebuilding.
Hidalgo’s arrival, combined with the return of veteran leaders and the emergence of young talent, sparked a renaissance in South Bend. The Irish returned to national prominence, finishing the regular season with a 29–3 record, an ACC regular-season title, and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
More than just results, it was the swagger, toughness, and joy that Hidalgo brought to the team that rekindled memories of Notre Dame’s championship years.
“She’s a culture-setter,” said Coach Ivey. “We’ve always had the talent, but Hannah gave us that edge. That belief that we could win every game.”
Reactions from the Basketball World
The outpouring of praise for Hidalgo was swift and emphatic following the Sporting News announcement.
“She’s the real deal,” tweeted ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “I’ve covered women’s hoops for a long time, and I haven’t seen a freshman take over the game like this since Diana Taurasi.”
Skylar Diggins-Smith, perhaps the most beloved figure in Notre Dame women’s basketball history, also offered her congratulations on social media: “Proud doesn’t even begin to describe it. Hannah is carrying the torch and lighting a new path. Go Irish!”
WNBA stars, college coaches, and even NBA players chimed in, with Damian Lillard reposting one of Hidalgo’s highlight reels on Instagram with the caption, “Killer. That girl different.”
The Intangibles: Fearless, Unflappable, Unstoppable
Beyond her box score brilliance, Hidalgo’s story is compelling because of her mentality. At just 5-foot-6, she is often the smallest player on the court—but she plays like the biggest presence.
Known for her intense defensive focus, she often guards the opposing team’s best player regardless of size or position. Her tenacity has drawn comparisons to legends like Tamika Catchings and Allen Iverson.
But it’s her poise, particularly in clutch moments, that sets her apart. Whether it’s hitting a big shot, making a stop, or calming her teammates in the huddle, Hidalgo exudes a calm confidence rarely seen in players of any age—let alone a freshman.
“She’s a natural leader,” said senior teammate Sonia Citron. “The way she carries herself, the way she works—she’s got the soul of a veteran and the heart of a warrior.”
What’s Next: A Star Poised to Shine Even Brighter
Hidalgo has already declared her intention to return for her sophomore year, a decision that thrilled Notre Dame fans and college basketball at large. With the majority of the roster expected to return—and another strong recruiting class incoming—the Irish are poised to be a national title favorite in 2025–26.
“I’m just getting started,” Hidalgo said in a post-award press conference. “I came here to win. This award is for my teammates, my coaches, my family, and Notre Dame Nation. But we’ve got more to do.”
In an era where the transfer portal and early pro entries have changed the collegiate landscape, Hidalgo’s commitment to Notre Dame and to growth within the college game is refreshing—and increasingly rare.
Expectations will soar. The spotlight will grow. But for those who have followed her journey, there’s no doubt she’s ready.
Final Thoughts: A Year to Remember, A Legacy Beginning
Hannah Hidalgo’s rise is the kind of story that resonates beyond stats, wins, and awards. It’s about belief—her belief in herself, in her teammates, and in the power of hard work and resilience.
In just one season, she has captured the imagination of fans, inspired the next generation, and reminded everyone why college basketball—especially the women’s game—is such a joy to watch.