In a momentous and well-deserved recognition of brilliance on the hardwood, Notre Dame Fighting Irish freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo has officially been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year. The announcement sent a surge of pride through South Bend, where Hidalgo’s historic debut season captivated fans and redefined expectations for first-year players in women’s college basketball. Her accolade places her in elite company and cements her place as one of the brightest stars in the sport today.
The 5-foot-6 dynamo has stunned opponents all season long with her relentless defense, fearless drives, and unmatched hustle. Her style of play has been described as “ferocious,” “electric,” and “relentless,” and few players in the country have been able to match her impact on both ends of the floor. The Sporting News award adds to what is shaping up to be one of the most celebrated freshman campaigns in women’s college basketball history.
A Star is Born: Hannah Hidalgo’s Freshman Impact
When Hannah Hidalgo committed to Notre Dame, the expectations were high. Ranked among the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class, she had offers from numerous blue blood programs but chose to follow in the footsteps of Fighting Irish greats like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jewell Loyd. Few could have anticipated, however, just how quickly Hidalgo would explode onto the national stage.
In her first collegiate game, Hidalgo recorded a double-double with points and steals, a feat that immediately made headlines. By midseason, she was leading the nation in steals and ranking top ten in scoring, all while showcasing the type of leadership and toughness typically seen in veteran players. Her court vision, anticipation, and fearlessness made her must-watch TV — even in a year where stars like JuJu Watkins, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese dominated national headlines.
Hidalgo finished the season averaging:
- 22.6 points per game
- 6.5 assists
- 5.3 rebounds
- 4.7 steals (leading the nation)
Her performances weren’t just statistically impressive — they were game-changing. Notre Dame relied on her both to initiate offense and to be a disruptive force on defense. Even when opposing teams keyed in on her, Hidalgo rose to the occasion, often coming up with clutch plays in crunch time.
Defense Wins Awards — And Hidalgo is Proof
While scoring tends to dominate highlight reels and stat lines, what truly separates Hidalgo from many of her peers is her commitment to the defensive end. She set a program record for steals in a season and consistently turned defense into offense. Her ability to anticipate passes, pressure ball handlers, and ignite fast breaks became a hallmark of Notre Dame’s identity this season.
“She plays defense like her life depends on it,” head coach Niele Ivey said in a press conference earlier this season. “Hannah is relentless. She changes the game every time she steps on the floor — not just with points, but with energy, grit, and heart.”
Opposing coaches took notice too. Many adjusted their offensive schemes just to mitigate her pressure. Some tried to trap her on the other end of the court to tire her out. None of it worked. Hidalgo simply kept coming, play after play, with a motor that never stopped running.
A Leader in the Making
Though just a freshman, Hidalgo’s leadership qualities are undeniable. Her passion, communication, and ability to rally teammates helped Notre Dame maintain momentum in a season filled with both triumphs and adversity. The Irish had to navigate injuries to key players, including fellow star Olivia Miles, and Hidalgo often bore the weight of carrying the team through tough stretches.
She never shied away from the spotlight, instead embracing the challenge and delivering time and again.
“She wants to be great, and she’s willing to put in the work to get there,” Ivey said. “She’s always in the gym. Always watching film. Always asking questions. Her drive is unbelievable.”
Hidalgo has also been praised for her maturity off the court. Balancing academics, media attention, and the demands of being a star athlete, she has handled everything with grace and humility. Her interviews often emphasize gratitude, team-first mentality, and her deep respect for the program’s legacy.
Making History at Notre Dame
Notre Dame has a rich tradition in women’s basketball, with national titles, Final Four appearances, and legendary players who’ve gone on to successful WNBA careers. Hannah Hidalgo’s freshman season ranks right up there with the best of them — and in many ways, may be the most impactful rookie campaign in the program’s storied history.
By earning the Sporting News National Player of the Year, Hidalgo becomes the first freshman in program history to receive the honor and only the second-ever Fighting Irish player to win it, following Ruth Riley in 2001. It’s a testament not only to her talent but to her role in elevating the team during a transitional and uncertain period.
While Caitlin Clark may have been the face of college basketball this season, and JuJu Watkins turned heads out west at USC, Hidalgo arguably had the most complete season — contributing in every statistical category and carrying a greater defensive load than perhaps any other player in the nation.
National Recognition and Awards
The Sporting News award is one of the major National Player of the Year honors, joining others like the Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, and Wade Trophy. Hidalgo is a finalist or semifinalist for all of them and may very well sweep several by the end of award season.
In addition to her POY honors, she has already collected:
- ACC Freshman of the Year
- All-ACC First Team
- All-Defensive Team honors
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year
Hidalgo’s name is also rising quickly in conversations surrounding USA Basketball. With the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, she’s a longshot to make the senior team but could very well find herself competing in future global competitions — perhaps even the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
What’s Next for Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish?
Hidalgo has hinted that she’s far from satisfied. She’s publicly expressed her desire to lead Notre Dame back to a national title, and with her at the helm, that dream feels more attainable than ever.
Notre Dame’s future is suddenly very bright. With Hidalgo returning for at least another season, and key players like Sonia Citron and Olivia Miles expected to be healthy, the Irish are already a preseason top-10 team in many early projections. Add in a strong incoming recruiting class and the team’s upward trajectory is clear.
The biggest question is how opponents will adjust to Hidalgo now that she’s no longer a surprise. But if this season is any indication, she thrives under pressure — and with more experience, she may only become more unstoppable.
A Role Model On and Off the Court
Beyond the numbers, what makes Hannah Hidalgo so special is the example she sets. A proud Afro-Latina athlete from New Jersey, she’s become a beacon of inspiration for young girls who dream of playing at the highest level. Her story — marked by family support, resilience, and unwavering self-belief — resonates across communities.
She’s also used her platform to advocate for mental health, equality in sports, and academic excellence. Her humility, drive, and authenticity make her one of the most likable stars in college sports today.
Final Thoughts
In an era overflowing with generational talent in women’s college basketball, Hannah Hidalgo’s freshman season stands as one of the most extraordinary ever seen. Her Sporting News National Player of the Year award is not just a personal accolade but a reflection of her transformative impact on Notre Dame’s program and on the sport itself.
She’s not just the future — she’s the present. And if year one is any indication, we’re witnessing the beginning of a legendary collegiate career.