In a stunning and heartfelt move that has sent waves across the collegiate sports world, Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball standout Hannah Hidalgo—the electric guard from Merchantville, New Jersey—has announced she will donate $3 million to the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. The announcement came during a celebratory press conference at Purcell Pavilion, where university officials, coaches, teammates, and fans gathered to witness what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most selfless and monumental gestures by a collegiate athlete in the modern NIL era.
More than a donation, Hidalgo revealed that the funds would be used to revamp the team’s training facilities, launch a mentorship program for female student-athletes, and create an NIL advisory platform for young women navigating endorsement opportunities. The bold move not only cements Hidalgo’s legacy as one of the most important figures in Notre Dame athletics but signals a cultural shift—where players, empowered by their success, are beginning to reinvest in the institutions and communities that shaped them.
From Merchantville to Main Stage
Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to college basketball stardom began in the small town of Merchantville, New Jersey, where her relentless motor, blinding speed, and defensive prowess first caught the attention of national scouts. As a high school standout, she earned accolades including McDonald’s All-American honors, USA Basketball gold medals, and was consistently ranked as a top-five player in her class.
But no one could’ve predicted the instant impact she would have at Notre Dame.
In her freshman season, Hidalgo lit up the stat sheet. Averaging over 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, she quickly became the face of the Fighting Irish. Her unique ability to turn defense into offense, coupled with a flair for the dramatic in clutch moments, turned her into a fan favorite and household name.
By year two, Hidalgo had not only elevated her game but had also become a vocal leader in the locker room, leading the team to the Elite Eight and nearly punching a ticket to the Final Four. Her performance earned her ACC Player of the Year honors and placed her firmly in the conversation for National Player of the Year.
The $3 Million Gift: “This Program Changed My Life”
When asked why she decided to pledge such a significant amount, Hidalgo’s response was deeply emotional and rooted in gratitude.
“Notre Dame gave me more than just a basketball opportunity. It gave me a family, a purpose, and a platform. This is more than money—this is about making sure every girl who comes through this program has even better opportunities than I did.”
The $3 million pledge, the largest by any current NCAA female athlete to her own program, will be allocated toward three core initiatives:
- Facility Enhancement Project – “The Hidalgo Wing”
A portion of the funds will go toward renovating the women’s basketball training and wellness facilities. Plans include a new state-of-the-art recovery suite, expanded locker rooms, and upgraded nutrition stations. The new wing will bear the name “The Hidalgo Wing,” symbolizing her lasting impact on the program. - Mentorship Program – “She’s Next”
Hidalgo announced the creation of a mentorship initiative called “She’s Next,” which will pair incoming student-athletes with successful alumni and leaders in business, sports, and education. This initiative aims to empower young women to thrive both on and off the court. - NIL Navigation Hub – “FairPlay”
Recognizing the challenges and confusion that come with NIL endorsements, Hidalgo will fund “FairPlay,” a platform offering legal, financial, and branding advice to Notre Dame’s female athletes. The goal is to ensure athletes are informed and protected as they manage their personal brands.
Support and Praise from Notre Dame Leaders
Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick called the donation “a transformational moment,” praising Hidalgo for her maturity and leadership:
“We’ve never seen anything like this. Hannah Hidalgo embodies the values of Notre Dame—excellence, humility, service. Her gift is historic not just for the dollars but for what it represents: empowerment, vision, and a challenge to all of us to think bigger.”
Head Coach Niele Ivey, who recruited Hidalgo and helped mold her into a national star, fought back tears as she addressed the crowd:
“I’m so proud of Hannah—not just the player, but the woman she’s become. She’s changing the game, changing lives, and blazing trails that others will follow. This is her legacy, and it’s only just beginning.”
The Ripple Effect in College Athletics
Hidalgo’s move has already begun to send shockwaves through the broader NCAA landscape. In a time when NIL earnings have sparked debates about commercialization and priorities in college sports, her decision to give back offers a powerful counter-narrative—one of gratitude, reinvestment, and vision.
Current and former athletes have responded positively. South Carolina’s JuJu Watkins, one of Hidalgo’s peers and a fellow NIL success story, tweeted:
“Respect to Hannah. That’s real leadership. She’s setting the bar.”
Similarly, WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and Skylar Diggins-Smith applauded Hidalgo’s gesture as “trailblazing” and “game-changing.”
Legacy in Motion
With two more years of eligibility, Hidalgo still has the chance to bring Notre Dame its first national title since 2018. But no matter what happens on the court, her off-court contributions will echo for decades.
The Fighting Irish now boast one of the most forward-thinking player-led programs in the country. Beyond the wins and highlight reels, Hannah Hidalgo is ensuring that Notre Dame remains a beacon for women’s collegiate athletics.
“I want every girl who dreams of playing here to know they’ll be taken care of, that they’ll be believed in, and that they can leave an even bigger legacy,” Hidalgo said.
A New Chapter for Notre Dame
In the wake of this announcement, fundraising has already picked up pace. Alumni and donors have pledged matching contributions to further bolster Hidalgo’s initiatives. Notre Dame announced it will launch the “Hidalgo Challenge,” an alumni-led campaign to raise an additional $10 million over the next two years.
The goal? To make the Notre Dame women’s basketball program the standard for athlete support and development across the NCAA.
Already, campus renovations are being fast-tracked, with construction on “The Hidalgo Wing” set to begin this fall. University officials have also hinted at a scholarship in her name, to be awarded to a female student-athlete who demonstrates “extraordinary leadership and commitment to service.”
The Future Is Female—and Fierce
At just 20 years old, Hannah Hidalgo has etched her name into the lore of Notre Dame athletics—not just as a dazzling player, but as a visionary, philanthropist, and changemaker.
Her journey from a humble New Jersey gym to national stardom—and now, to one of the largest charitable pledges in college sports—reflects a broader shift in how today’s athletes view their power, purpose, and responsibility.
The basketball world may remember her for her steals, crossovers, and game-winners. But at Notre Dame, she’ll be remembered for something far greater.