Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame joins lists with Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.

In the world of women’s college basketball, few names resonate as loudly as Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever. These two players have set standards of excellence that have redefined the game for future generations of young athletes. Caitlin Clark, with her sharp shooting and prolific scoring ability, has captivated basketball fans across the nation, while Kelsey Mitchell, one of the most dynamic guards in the WNBA, has continued to build on her legacy as an elite scorer. However, in a sport that is constantly evolving, there are always new players who emerge and challenge the status quo.

One of those rising stars is Hannah Hidalgo, a freshman point guard at Notre Dame, whose performances in her early college career have placed her in the conversation with these elite players. In joining the ranks of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Hidalgo is quickly becoming one of the most exciting prospects in women’s basketball. Whether it’s her exceptional playmaking, her ability to take over games when needed, or her poise under pressure, Hidalgo is showing that she has the potential to not only meet but exceed the high expectations placed on her.

The Early Life of Hannah Hidalgo

Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to Notre Dame was marked by an impressive career in high school. A native of New Jersey, Hidalgo’s rise to prominence started at Rutgers Preparatory School, where she made an immediate impact as one of the top point guards in the country. Her high school career was a testament to her work ethic, skill development, and leadership, qualities that would define her once she transitioned to collegiate basketball.

Hidalgo’s journey was further amplified by her performances on the AAU circuit, where she showcased her ability to run the point guard position at a high level. Throughout her high school career, she displayed a remarkable combination of basketball IQ, vision, and a smooth scoring touch that made her one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. Her ability to orchestrate offense and control the tempo of games made her stand out in national recruitment rankings.

In fact, Hidalgo’s basketball journey could be defined by her ability to make others better. She consistently showed the ability to involve her teammates and make plays that would open up opportunities for them to succeed. This would become a defining characteristic of her game once she arrived at Notre Dame, a program that has been known for developing some of the best point guards in women’s college basketball.

Hannah Hidalgo’s Arrival at Notre Dame

When Hannah Hidalgo arrived at Notre Dame, there was an air of expectation surrounding her. As one of the top point guard prospects in the country, she was stepping into a program with a rich history of success in women’s basketball, one that was accustomed to competing at the highest levels of the NCAA tournament. The Fighting Irish, under head coach Niele Ivey, were coming off a strong season and had ambitions of continuing to build on their legacy.

What stood out about Hidalgo from the very beginning was her maturity and readiness to contribute. The transition from high school to college basketball is a significant one, and many freshmen struggle to adjust to the faster pace and higher level of competition. However, Hidalgo’s early performances showed that she had what it takes to excel at the collegiate level right away. Her ability to facilitate the offense, make decisions on the fly, and deliver pinpoint passes quickly earned her playing time in a crowded backcourt. By the time the season was in full swing, Hidalgo had firmly established herself as one of the most important players on the team.

While her passing and court vision were impressive, what truly set her apart was her scoring ability. Hidalgo quickly proved that she could score efficiently both as a playmaker and as a shooter. Her ability to get into the paint and finish through contact, combined with her outside shooting touch, made her an offensive threat in a variety of ways. As a true freshman, she was already one of the most dynamic players on the floor, and her performances were drawing comparisons to some of the best in the game, including Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.

The Comparison to Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell

Hannah Hidalgo’s rapid rise at Notre Dame led to comparisons with some of the top players in the game, notably Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever. Both Clark and Mitchell have been exceptional talents in their own right, redefining what it means to be a scorer in women’s basketball.

Caitlin Clark, perhaps the most recognizable name in women’s college basketball today, has become a force of nature at Iowa. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor — particularly from three-point range — has made her a household name, and she has been widely regarded as one of the most complete players in the game. Clark’s explosive scoring ability and playmaking vision have made her a player who defenses must account for on every possession. For a freshman like Hidalgo to be compared to someone with the skill set of Clark is a major endorsement of her abilities.

Similarly, Kelsey Mitchell has had an equally storied career, albeit at the professional level. A former standout at Ohio State, Mitchell’s ability to create her own shot and her skill as a dynamic scorer allowed her to dominate in both college and now in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever. She is known for her elite scoring ability, and her fearlessness on the court makes her one of the most dangerous players in women’s basketball.

What makes the comparison between Hidalgo and these two stars interesting is that while she is still early in her career, her game already exhibits many of the same qualities that have made Clark and Mitchell so successful. Hidalgo, like Clark, has a tremendous ability to shoot the ball, both from deep range and in mid-range situations. She is also capable of putting up points in bunches, often taking over games with her scoring ability. However, unlike Clark, Hidalgo has a natural point guard instinct. Her vision and basketball IQ allow her to create for others and manage the tempo of the game, making her a true leader on the floor. Like Mitchell, she shows the type of fearlessness and aggressive mentality that allows her to thrive in tough situations.

While there are differences in their playing styles, the comparison to Clark and Mitchell speaks volumes about Hidalgo’s potential to impact women’s basketball in a similar way. If she continues to develop at her current rate, Hidalgo could become one of the most electrifying players in college basketball and make her mark in the WNBA in the future.

The Role of Hannah Hidalgo at Notre Dame

As one of the most highly regarded recruits in recent years, Hidalgo’s role at Notre Dame is already pivotal to the team’s success. With her ability to facilitate and score, she provides a dual threat that makes her an invaluable asset to Coach Niele Ivey’s system. As a point guard, she is responsible for orchestrating the offense, setting up plays, and getting her teammates involved. However, she has the unique ability to take on a larger offensive role when needed, showcasing her versatility and scoring ability.

Beyond her scoring, Hidalgo’s leadership and poise have been key factors in her early success. Her confidence on the court, even as a freshman, has been noticeable. She exudes a calm and steady presence, which is crucial in high-pressure situations. This quality makes her not only a great player but also an effective leader on a team with national championship aspirations.

One of the things that stands out most about Hidalgo’s game is her ability to make others better. Whether it’s delivering a perfectly timed pass, setting up an easy basket for a teammate, or making the extra effort on defense, she understands the value of teamwork. This commitment to both individual success and team-oriented play sets her apart from other freshmen and gives her the potential to be one of the top point guards in women’s basketball in the years to come.

The Future of Hannah Hidalgo

As Hannah Hidalgo continues to develop and improve over the course of her career, it is clear that she is poised to make a lasting impact in college basketball. With the comparisons to Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Hidalgo is already being recognized as one of the top young talents in the sport. If she continues to develop her skills, hone her leadership abilities, and stay healthy, there is no doubt that she has the potential to become one of the best players in the country.

Her early success at Notre Dame is just the beginning, and the possibilities for what she can achieve both in college and beyond are limitless. Whether it’s leading Notre Dame to a national championship or establishing herself as a future star in the WNBA, Hannah Hidalgo is a player to watch in the years to come.

In joining the ranks of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Hidalgo is part of a growing legacy of women’s basketball players who are changing the way the game is played. As the next generation of players continues to rise, it is clear that Hidalgo will be one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball for years to come.