Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo Earns 2025 John R. Wooden Award, Solidifying Her Status as a College Basketball Star
Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to winning the prestigious 2025 John R. Wooden Award is a testament to her dedication, skill, and leadership on the basketball court. The Wooden Award, often considered the most distinguished individual honor in college basketball, recognizes the best player in the nation for their exceptional performance throughout the season. In 2025, Hannah Hidalgo, a standout player for the University of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team, earned this accolade, solidifying her position as one of the brightest stars in the sport. This achievement is not just a personal milestone for Hidalgo, but also a historic moment for her university and the women’s basketball landscape as a whole.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Hannah Hidalgo’s basketball journey began long before she stepped onto the college courts. Growing up, she was immersed in the sport, with a family that supported and nurtured her athletic aspirations. Hidalgo honed her skills from an early age, playing at local clubs and competing in high school, where her exceptional talent quickly set her apart. Her high school career at St. John Vianney High School in New Jersey was nothing short of spectacular, as she became a dominant force in the state, leading her team to state championships and earning numerous accolades along the way.
Her performances in high school drew the attention of college scouts from across the nation, and by the time she was ready to commit to a college program, Hidalgo had established herself as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country. She chose to play for Notre Dame, a program with a rich history of success in women’s college basketball.
College Career at Notre Dame
Hannah Hidalgo’s arrival at Notre Dame marked the beginning of a new era for the Fighting Irish. From the moment she joined the team, it was clear that she had the potential to make an immediate impact. A versatile guard known for her quickness, playmaking ability, and leadership, Hidalgo quickly became a key player for the Fighting Irish. Her presence on the court was felt both offensively and defensively, as she demonstrated a rare combination of scoring, assisting, and defending that made her a threat in every facet of the game.
In her early seasons at Notre Dame, Hidalgo’s performance exceeded expectations. She quickly became the focal point of the team’s offense, displaying a remarkable ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Whether driving to the basket, hitting clutch jump shots, or setting up her teammates with pinpoint assists, Hidalgo’s basketball IQ was evident. Her leadership also shone through, as she inspired her teammates both on and off the court.
By her sophomore year, Hidalgo had firmly established herself as one of the premier players in women’s college basketball. Her success wasn’t just measured by individual statistics but by her ability to elevate the performance of those around her. Notre Dame’s team began to flourish under her guidance, regularly competing for top spots in the NCAA tournament and achieving national recognition.
The 2025 Season: A Year to Remember
The 2025 season was one for the history books. It was the culmination of everything that Hidalgo had worked for, and it was during this season that she truly solidified her place among the elite players in college basketball. The season was defined by her remarkable consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Throughout the 2025 season, Hidalgo’s numbers were staggering. She averaged over 20 points per game, while also contributing significant assists and rebounds. Her scoring ability was complemented by her defensive tenacity, where she excelled at both guarding the perimeter and disrupting passing lanes. What truly set her apart was her ability to take over games when her team needed her the most. Whether Notre Dame was trailing late in a game or in a tight matchup against a ranked opponent, Hidalgo consistently rose to the occasion.
One of the most memorable moments of Hidalgo’s season came during a critical matchup against one of their biggest rivals. With the game on the line, Hidalgo hit a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds, securing the win for her team and showcasing her ability to perform in high-stakes situations. This moment became symbolic of her entire season—confident, composed, and ready to deliver when it mattered most.
In addition to her individual success, Hidalgo helped lead Notre Dame to a series of impressive victories, including securing a top seed in the NCAA tournament. Her leadership and ability to elevate her team were undeniable, and she became the face of college basketball as March Madness loomed large.
The John R. Wooden Award
The John R. Wooden Award is one of the most prestigious honors in all of college basketball. Named after the legendary UCLA coach, it recognizes the nation’s best player in terms of performance, character, and leadership. The award is not given lightly, and in 2025, Hannah Hidalgo was the undisputed choice to receive this coveted accolade.
When Hidalgo’s name was called as the recipient of the Wooden Award, it was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Her season was marked by incredible individual achievements, but it was her leadership, poise, and commitment to her team that truly set her apart. As the first player from Notre Dame to win the Wooden Award in over a decade, Hidalgo’s victory was a moment of pride not only for her but for the entire Fighting Irish basketball program.
The award ceremony was an emotional moment for Hidalgo, who took the stage to accept the honor in front of her family, coaches, teammates, and fans. In her acceptance speech, Hidalgo expressed gratitude to her coaches, teammates, and family, acknowledging that the award was a reflection of their collective efforts. She highlighted the support she received from her coaches and teammates, who helped push her to be the best version of herself. Her humility and grace in accepting the award only further endeared her to fans across the country.
Impact on the Game and Legacy
Hannah Hidalgo’s achievement of winning the John R. Wooden Award transcends her individual success—it has a lasting impact on the game of women’s basketball. As one of the brightest stars in college sports, Hidalgo’s performance has brought renewed attention to women’s college basketball, highlighting the incredible talent, skill, and athleticism present in the women’s game. Her success has inspired countless young athletes, particularly girls who dream of excelling in basketball, showing them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Hidalgo’s victory also shines a light on the importance of leadership and character. While many players excel in scoring and statistics, it is Hidalgo’s leadership both on and off the court that set her apart. Her ability to inspire her teammates, handle pressure, and stay composed in critical moments was just as crucial to her success as her individual skills. In this way, she exemplified the true spirit of the Wooden Award, which celebrates not just athletic excellence but also the qualities of character and leadership.
In addition, Hidalgo’s achievement has had a ripple effect on Notre Dame’s basketball program. Her success has elevated the program to new heights and has solidified its reputation as one of the premier destinations for top-tier talent. Her victory also serves as a benchmark for future generations of players at the school, inspiring them to aim for greatness both on and off the court.
Looking to the Future
As Hannah Hidalgo moves forward in her career, the sky is the limit. With her outstanding performance in the 2025 season, she has proven that she has the ability to continue competing at the highest levels of basketball. Whether she chooses to pursue a career in the WNBA, international basketball, or beyond, Hidalgo has established herself as one of the most promising young stars in the sport.
For Notre Dame, the legacy of Hannah Hidalgo will continue to resonate for years to come. Her time with the Fighting Irish may have been relatively brief, but her impact on the program and the sport as a whole will endure. As she moves forward, Hidalgo will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who look up to her and will be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the college basketball stage.
Hannah Hidalgo’s win of the 2025 John R. Wooden Award marks a historic achievement in the world of women’s basketball. Her performance throughout the 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, and her leadership and character have made her one of the most influential players in the game today. The award serves as a fitting tribute to her hard work, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As her career continues, Hannah Hidalgo’s legacy will inspire future generations of athletes, and her place among the all-time greats of women’s basketball is now firmly secured.