In a moment that will be remembered in Notre Dame lore for decades to come, sophomore sensation Hannah Hidalgo has etched her name into history by being named the 2025 National Player of the Year. For fans of the Fighting Irish, the announcement is more than just a validation of statistical dominance—it is a celebration of resilience, leadership, and unwavering excellence.
From the moment Hidalgo stepped onto the court in South Bend, she was a force to be reckoned with. In just her sophomore season, she led Notre Dame to one of the best records in program history, guided them deep into the NCAA Tournament, and captured the attention of basketball fans across the country with her breathtaking skill set. Her recognition as the nation’s top player is the crowning achievement in a campaign that saw her become the face of women’s college basketball.
A Meteoric Rise
Hidalgo, who entered college basketball in 2023 as a five-star recruit out of Paul VI High School in New Jersey, wasted no time making her mark on the national stage. Her freshman year was spectacular—she led all Division I freshmen in scoring and steals, earned All-American honors, and played with a tenacity that made her a nightmare for opposing guards.
But as good as she was in Year One, her sophomore season took her game to a transcendent level.
In 2024-25, Hidalgo averaged 22.4 points, 7.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 steals per game, showcasing her all-around dominance. She had 12 double-doubles and two triple-doubles on the year, and frequently filled the stat sheet while also defending the opposing team’s best guard. Whether she was hitting pull-up threes, breaking down defenses with her lightning-quick first step, or creating turnovers and turning them into fast-break points, Hidalgo controlled every aspect of the game.
Her performance in the regular season was defined by consistent excellence, but she truly elevated her status during March Madness.
March Magic
In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Hidalgo was simply spectacular. She scored 30+ points three times in five games and helped Notre Dame reach the Final Four for the first time since 2019. Against perennial powerhouse UConn in the Elite Eight, she delivered a performance for the ages—dropping 33 points, dishing out 9 assists, and collecting 6 steals in a dominant 78-67 win that punched the Irish’s ticket to Cleveland.
Though Notre Dame fell short in the Final Four against eventual champion South Carolina, Hidalgo still dazzled on the biggest stage. She tallied 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in a gritty losing effort that earned her standing ovations from both fanbases.
It was the kind of performance that cements legacies. It showed the heart of a champion and the poise of a veteran. In those moments, there was no doubt—Hannah Hidalgo was the best player in the country.
Leadership Beyond the Stats
While Hidalgo’s numbers were jaw-dropping, it was her leadership that truly set her apart. After the departure of several key upperclassmen, she stepped into a leadership role with grace and determination. Her teammates describe her as vocal, encouraging, and unrelenting in her drive to win.
Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey, herself a former Fighting Irish point guard and WNBA player, called Hidalgo “a generational talent with a championship mindset.”
“She makes everyone around her better,” Ivey said. “Hannah is the type of player you build a program around. She’s fierce, she’s fearless, and she’s fully committed to winning.”
That mindset was infectious. Under Hidalgo’s leadership, Notre Dame finished 30-5 on the year and won the ACC regular season title. She was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year—just the second player in conference history to achieve that dual honor in the same season.
A Player of the People
Despite her stardom, Hidalgo has remained humble and grounded. A devout Catholic and vocal advocate for youth empowerment, she often speaks about using her platform to inspire the next generation. Whether signing autographs for young fans after games or speaking at local schools about perseverance and faith, she has embraced the responsibility that comes with being a role model.
Her commitment to excellence off the court has only made her more beloved. She was a finalist for the 2025 Senior CLASS Award—despite only being a sophomore—because of her academic achievements, character, and community involvement.
Impact on Notre Dame’s Legacy
Hidalgo’s Player of the Year award is the fourth in Notre Dame women’s basketball history. She joins Ruth Riley (2001), Skylar Diggins-Smith (2013 finalist), and Arike Ogunbowale (2018 finalist) as program icons. But what sets Hidalgo apart is the fact that she’s accomplished all of this by the end of her second collegiate season.
With two years of eligibility remaining, she has the opportunity to leave a legacy that could rival any player in program history. There’s growing chatter that she could break nearly every major statistical record at Notre Dame—points, assists, and steals included.
If she returns for her junior year, she’ll be the centerpiece of a team with legitimate national championship aspirations. And if she ultimately decides to go pro early, there’s no question she’ll be a top pick in the WNBA Draft.
The National Landscape
The 2024-25 season was one of the most competitive in recent memory, featuring elite performances from stars like JuJu Watkins (USC), Paige Bueckers (UConn), and MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina). But Hidalgo stood above them all, not just because of her production, but because of how consistently she dominated both ends of the floor.
Her selection as National Player of the Year was unanimous—voted on by coaches, media, and analysts alike. It was a testament to her complete game and her role as the engine behind one of the most successful teams in the country.
A Future Star at Every Level
WNBA scouts have long circled Hannah Hidalgo’s name. At just 5’7”, she may not have the height of some of her peers, but what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in heart and skill. Her court vision, elite on-ball defense, and explosive athleticism make her a perfect fit for the modern professional game.
Already, there are whispers that she could be the face of the WNBA whenever she decides to take that next step. With NIL opportunities booming and her social media following exploding, she’s also well-positioned to become one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports.
Her story resonates: a tenacious, faith-driven point guard who fought through the odds and now reigns supreme atop the college basketball world.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season now in the books, the focus shifts to what comes next. For Hidalgo, the options are wide open. Early speculation suggests she’s leaning toward returning for her junior year, and if so, Notre Dame could very well be preseason No. 1.
She’ll have help too. The Fighting Irish return several key contributors and welcome a top-5 recruiting class. With Hidalgo leading the charge, the Irish are poised to chase their first national title since 2018.
But even if she chose to leave for the professional ranks now, her legacy is already sealed.
She’s brought Notre Dame basketball back to the pinnacle of national relevance. She’s energized the fan base, elevated the program, and brought joy to everyone who’s watched her play.
Final Thoughts
Hannah Hidalgo’s recognition as the 2025 National Player of the Year is much more than an award—it’s a moment that affirms her greatness and the promise of what’s to come. She represents everything that is right with college sports: commitment, passion, sportsmanship, and brilliance.
In an era when women’s basketball is gaining long-overdue attention and praise, Hidalgo stands tall as a symbol of the sport’s bright future.