Notre Dame women’s basketball gaurd Hannah Hidalgo has earned the sporting news national player of the year
Hannah Hidalgo has recently earned the prestigious title of the Sporting News National Player of the Year for her exceptional performance as a guard on the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. This recognition is a testament to her hard work, skill, and leadership on the court, highlighting her as one of the most outstanding players in women’s college basketball.
Early Life and Background
Hannah Hidalgo was born and raised in the heart of New Jersey, where basketball was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. From a young age, it was clear that she had a natural talent for the game. Raised in a community that valued sports and competition, Hidalgo was encouraged to develop her skills early on. Her family, particularly her parents, were supportive of her passion for basketball, ensuring that she had the resources and opportunities to refine her game.
Growing up, Hidalgo played for her local basketball teams, where she quickly gained a reputation for her tenacity, quickness, and basketball IQ. It wasn’t long before her potential was recognized at a higher level, and she found herself playing on travel teams, competing against some of the best talent in the country. These experiences exposed her to high-level competition and helped her sharpen her skills, setting the stage for her future success.
High School Career
Hidalgo attended Blair Academy, a prestigious private school in New Jersey, where she was a standout on the school’s basketball team. Her time at Blair was marked by consistent excellence on the court. She quickly became known for her ability to control the pace of the game, her scoring ability, and her leadership qualities. Throughout her high school career, Hidalgo amassed a number of accolades, including being named to several all-conference and all-state teams.
Her high school years were also marked by her commitment to improving her skills. She worked tirelessly on her shooting, ball-handling, and defense, making herself an all-around player. Her leadership qualities were evident not only in her play but also in the way she motivated and inspired her teammates. Her ability to make others around her better was one of the key factors in her high school success.
By the time she graduated from Blair Academy, Hidalgo was widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation. She had the attention of college coaches across the country, but it was her dream to play for one of the most prestigious programs in women’s college basketball—the University of Notre Dame.
College Decision and Notre Dame Commitment
Hidalgo’s recruitment was intense, with numerous programs vying for her services. However, despite the many offers she received, she made the decision to commit to Notre Dame. The program, led by head coach Niele Ivey, had a storied history of success, and Hidalgo felt it was the perfect place for her to continue her development as a player.
Her decision to join Notre Dame was not just about basketball—it was also about the opportunity to grow as an individual and a student-athlete. The culture at Notre Dame emphasized academic excellence and a commitment to community, both of which resonated deeply with Hidalgo. She saw the university as a place where she could excel both on the court and in the classroom.
Freshman Year at Notre Dame
Hidalgo’s freshman year at Notre Dame was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment she stepped on the court, it was clear that she was going to make an impact. Despite being a newcomer, she quickly adapted to the fast-paced style of play that is characteristic of Notre Dame’s program.
One of the standout features of Hidalgo’s game as a freshman was her basketball IQ. She was able to read defenses with the ease of a seasoned veteran, and her ability to make quick decisions under pressure was unmatched. Whether it was creating opportunities for her teammates, knocking down crucial shots, or playing tough defense, Hidalgo quickly became a key contributor for the Fighting Irish.
Her scoring ability was evident early on, as she demonstrated a knack for driving to the basket and finishing through contact. Her jump shot was also a reliable weapon, making her a versatile offensive player. But it wasn’t just her scoring that stood out—Hidalgo’s defense was equally impressive. She had the ability to disrupt passing lanes, guard multiple positions, and provide energy for her team.
As the season progressed, Hidalgo’s play continued to improve, and she quickly became one of the leaders on the team. Her leadership and work ethic made her a favorite among her teammates and coaches alike.
Sophomore Year and Rising to National Prominence
By her sophomore year, Hannah Hidalgo had established herself as one of the top players in the country. She had worked tirelessly during the offseason to improve her game, and the results were evident. Hidalgo’s scoring ability had reached new heights, and she had developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous guards in college basketball.
In her second season at Notre Dame, Hidalgo played a pivotal role in leading the Fighting Irish to the top of the rankings. Her ability to control the game and make clutch plays in critical moments was a key factor in Notre Dame’s success. She became known for her composure in high-pressure situations, often hitting big shots or making key assists when her team needed it most.
Her sophomore year also saw her refine her skills as a passer. Hidalgo developed a better understanding of her teammates’ tendencies and was able to create opportunities for them on the court. Her assists and playmaking ability made her an even more valuable asset to the team.
By the end of her sophomore season, Hidalgo had firmly established herself as a national contender for Player of the Year honors. She was being talked about as one of the best guards in the country, and her performance on the court had caught the attention of basketball analysts, coaches, and fans alike.
The 2024-2025 Season: National Player of the Year
The 2024-2025 season was a breakout year for Hannah Hidalgo. It was a season in which she fully lived up to her potential and showcased her incredible talent on the national stage. Throughout the season, she demonstrated why she was deserving of the Sporting News National Player of the Year award.
Hidalgo’s performance in the 2024-2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. She led the nation in several statistical categories, including points per game, assists, and steals. Her scoring average was among the best in the country, and she continued to prove that she could score in a variety of ways. Whether it was driving to the basket, hitting three-pointers, or knocking down mid-range jumpers, Hidalgo had the ability to score from anywhere on the court.
Beyond her scoring, Hidalgo’s defense remained a key aspect of her game. She was a constant presence on that end of the floor, using her quickness and basketball IQ to disrupt opposing offenses. Her ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers made her a nightmare for opponents.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Hidalgo’s game during the 2024-2025 season was her leadership. As a leader on and off the court, she guided her team through challenging moments and played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s success. Her unselfish play and ability to make her teammates better were critical to Notre Dame’s success, and she quickly became the heart and soul of the team.
Throughout the season, Hidalgo’s individual accolades continued to pile up. She was named to the All-ACC First Team, was a finalist for several National Player of the Year awards, and led her team to an NCAA Tournament berth. Her contributions were invaluable, and it was clear that she was the driving force behind Notre Dame’s success.
In addition to her individual success, Hidalgo’s performance helped lead the Fighting Irish to the top of the national rankings, and they entered the NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites to win the national championship. As the season came to a close, Hidalgo’s play was recognized by the Sporting News, who awarded her the coveted National Player of the Year honor.
Legacy and Future
Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to National Player of the Year is one that is still unfolding. Her success at Notre Dame has already made her one of the most accomplished players in the history of the program, and she is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in women’s basketball. With her work ethic, leadership, and all-around skills, there is little doubt that she will continue to achieve great things in the future.
As a player who has already made such a significant impact at the college level, many experts believe that Hidalgo has a bright future ahead of her in professional basketball. Her combination of skill, determination, and leadership makes her a prime candidate for success at the next level. Whether it’s in the WNBA or overseas, Hidalgo’s future is incredibly promising.
Her success also has the potential to inspire the next generation of basketball players, particularly young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Hidalgo has already shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She has become a role model for aspiring athletes, and her journey serves as a reminder that dreams can be achieved with perseverance and a relentless drive to succeed.
Hannah Hidalgo’s rise to National Player of the Year is a remarkable achievement in the world of women’s basketball. Her talent, work ethic, and leadership have earned her the respect and admiration of fans, coaches, and fellow players alike. As she continues to build on her already impressive career, there is no doubt that Hidalgo will leave a lasting legacy in the world of college basketball.
Her journey is far from over, and her success at Notre Dame is only the beginning of what promises to be an incredible career. The future is bright for Hannah Hidalgo, and her story is one that will continue to inspire for years to come.