Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Guard Hannah Hidalgo Wins Sporting News National Player of the Year
In a season that will be remembered as one of the most electrifying in women’s college basketball history, Notre Dame freshman sensation Hannah Hidalgo has added another monumental accolade to her burgeoning legacy: Sporting News National Player of the Year.
It’s an unprecedented honor for the dynamic guard who has not only rewritten the record books at Notre Dame but also transformed the perception of what a freshman can accomplish in one of the sport’s most storied programs.
With this prestigious award, Hidalgo joins an elite list of women’s basketball icons and cements her status as a generational talent—one whose meteoric rise has captured the hearts of fans and left opponents breathless in her wake.
A STAR IS BORN: THE ARRIVAL OF HANNAH HIDALGO
Hailing from Haddonfield, New Jersey, and playing her high school ball at Paul VI, Hannah Hidalgo was already a household name on the AAU circuit and among recruiting diehards. Ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the Class of 2024 by ESPN, expectations were sky-high. But even the most optimistic Irish faithful couldn’t have foreseen what was to come.
From the opening tip of her collegiate career, Hidalgo played with a fire and tenacity that defied her youth. A relentless defender, fearless scorer, and floor general, she quickly established herself as the engine of a young Notre Dame squad eager to return to national prominence.
It took just one game for the world to take notice: a 31-point, 8-steal, 6-assist explosion in her debut against South Carolina in Paris. Though Notre Dame lost that game, Hidalgo’s performance made a bold statement—she was ready for the spotlight.
DOMINANCE IN EVERY FACET OF THE GAME
Statistically, Hidalgo’s season was nothing short of historic. She finished the year averaging:
- 23.3 points per game
- 6.5 assists
- 5.6 rebounds
- 4.6 steals
She led the nation in steals and was second in scoring among Power Five players. Her combination of offensive explosiveness and defensive chaos-making drew comparisons to legends like Dawn Staley and Tamika Catchings. But Hidalgo was doing it in her first year.
Her per-40-minute numbers were staggering. Her usage rate topped most veterans, and yet her efficiency remained elite. Despite being undersized at just 5-foot-6, she attacked the rim with reckless abandon, fearlessly driving into the paint, finishing through contact, and earning trips to the free-throw line.
Offensively, she operated as both a scorer and facilitator. Her court vision was elite—threading needles on fast breaks, lobbing perfect entry passes to post players, and orchestrating Notre Dame’s offense with poise beyond her years.
Defensively, she was even more disruptive. Her quick hands and instincts allowed her to jump passing lanes, pick pockets, and turn defense into instant offense. Her anticipation on switches and rotations anchored the Irish defense.
THE HEARTBEAT OF THE IRISH
What made Hannah Hidalgo’s impact even more special was her ability to elevate everyone around her. With Notre Dame dealing with injuries throughout the season—including stretches without All-American Olivia Miles—Hidalgo never flinched. She embraced the role of go-to scorer and floor leader, shouldering an extraordinary burden with grace.
Her leadership, despite her freshman status, became evident. On and off the floor, she was the heartbeat of Niele Ivey’s squad. Her infectious energy, relentless competitiveness, and love for the game were palpable.
Coach Ivey spoke glowingly of her star pupil throughout the year.
“Hannah is one of the most special players I’ve ever coached,” Ivey said. “She brings a level of intensity, IQ, and passion that’s incredibly rare. Her work ethic is unmatched, and she makes everyone around her better.”
With Hidalgo leading the charge, Notre Dame surged to a 27-7 record, an ACC regular season co-championship, and a deep NCAA Tournament run that saw the Irish advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.
A FRESHMAN UNLIKE ANY OTHER
There have been great freshmen in NCAA women’s basketball history—Cheryl Miller, Maya Moore, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark. But Hannah Hidalgo’s freshman campaign belongs right alongside the best of them.
She became the first freshman ever to win Sporting News National Player of the Year, breaking a barrier that many thought was reserved for veterans.
Her consistency was remarkable—she scored 20 or more points in 25 games, posted five double-doubles, and recorded four games with 8+ steals. She did it against the best competition in the country, from the SEC to the ACC to March Madness.
She was named:
- ACC Rookie of the Year
- First Team All-ACC
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year
- USBWA Freshman of the Year
- First Team All-American
And now: Sporting News National Player of the Year.
IMPACT BEYOND THE COURT
Hidalgo’s impact went far beyond statistics and awards. She became a symbol of joy and inspiration, especially to young girls who saw themselves in her hustle, heart, and resilience.
Whether it was dancing during pregame warmups, encouraging teammates on the bench, or staying late to sign autographs, she embraced her platform. Her authenticity resonated with fans, and her smile lit up arenas across the country.
She also played with a cultural and personal pride that was meaningful. As a proud Afro-Latina athlete, she used her platform to amplify voices and inspire future generations. She has spoken about the importance of representation and being a role model to young women of color.
“I want to show people that you can be small, you can be different, and still be great,” Hidalgo said in a recent interview. “You don’t have to fit a mold to be special.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR HANNAH HIDALGO?
As the 2025 season looms, the sky is the limit for Hannah Hidalgo. With All-American guard Olivia Miles expected to return from injury, Notre Dame will field one of the most dangerous backcourts in the nation. The Irish will be a preseason Top 5 team, and Hidalgo will enter the season as the consensus National Player of the Year favorite.
There’s also international competition on the horizon. Hidalgo is expected to be a cornerstone of Team USA’s U19 squad and may even crack the senior national team discussions down the line. Her game is built for the global stage—quick, cerebral, aggressive, and fearless.
The WNBA will undoubtedly beckon in the near future, but with at least one more year in South Bend, fans will get to see Hidalgo add to her growing legend.
A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame has a proud tradition of excellence in women’s basketball, from Ruth Riley to Skylar Diggins to Jewell Loyd to Arike Ogunbowale. But Hannah Hidalgo has brought a new kind of excitement—a jolt of youthful brilliance and magnetic charisma that is rare even in a program used to greatness.
Her winning the Sporting News National Player of the Year award marks Notre Dame’s first such honor since Skylar Diggins in 2013, and it validates the vision that head coach Niele Ivey had when she took over the program: that Notre Dame could once again become the epicenter of women’s college basketball.
With Hidalgo at the helm, the Irish aren’t just contenders. They’re must-watch TV.
FINAL THOUGHTS: THE LEGEND OF HANNAH HIDALGO HAS JUST BEGUN
Hannah Hidalgo’s story is one of precocious talent meeting relentless drive. Her journey from New Jersey phenom to national superstar is inspiring, but it’s only the first chapter. With poise, passion, and power, she has become the face of a new era in women’s basketball.
And now, with the Sporting News National Player of the Year award in hand, she has etched her name into the pantheon of college basketball greats.