Breaking: Hannah Hidalgo, a guard for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, has been named the sports news national player of the year.

In the world of college basketball, the title of National Player of the Year is one of the highest honors a player can achieve. It’s a testament to a season of unparalleled excellence, skill, leadership, and consistency. In 2025, the prestigious Sports News National Player of the Year award has been bestowed upon none other than Hannah Hidalgo, the standout guard for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Hidalgo’s incredible season has solidified her as one of the best players in the nation and has further elevated Notre Dame’s prominence in the world of women’s college basketball.

Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to winning this esteemed award has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed. From her early days on the court to her rise as a dominant force in NCAA women’s basketball, Hidalgo’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Her win not only represents a personal achievement but also symbolizes the growth and success of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey.

This essay will explore Hidalgo’s remarkable rise to the top, her impact on Notre Dame’s basketball program, the significance of her win, and what this means for the future of women’s college basketball.

The Rise of Hannah Hidalgo: A Star is Born

Hannah Hidalgo was no stranger to basketball greatness before joining the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, Hidalgo was known for her exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and basketball IQ. As a dynamic guard with a combination of speed, agility, and sharp shooting, Hidalgo’s potential was clear from the start. However, many did not anticipate just how quickly she would make an impact at the collegiate level.

Hidalgo’s freshman season at Notre Dame set the tone for what was to come. She quickly became one of the key players on a team that was already considered one of the top programs in the country. Despite the usual transition challenges that come with adjusting to the collegiate game, Hidalgo’s ability to dominate from day one stood out. Her leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to make her teammates better helped propel the Fighting Irish to new heights.

As a sophomore, Hidalgo’s growth was even more evident. She had already developed into one of the most complete guards in the nation, and her versatility allowed her to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether it was scoring, facilitating, or playing lockdown defense, Hidalgo was everywhere on the court. Her ability to fill up the stat sheet while leading her team to victory after victory was the hallmark of her game.

By her junior year, Hidalgo had transformed into the undisputed leader of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Her scoring ability had reached new heights, and she continued to elevate her teammates with her exceptional passing and court vision. Her ability to take over games in critical moments became one of her defining traits. Whether it was draining a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down or finding an open teammate for an easy bucket, Hidalgo always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

In the 2024-2025 season, Hidalgo’s dominance reached a new level. She had fully matured as a player and had developed into an all-around force, earning accolades and recognition from coaches, analysts, and fellow players. Her performances were nothing short of extraordinary, and her consistent excellence throughout the season made her a lock for the Sports News National Player of the Year award.

Hidalgo’s Stellar 2024-2025 Season

Hannah Hidalgo’s 2024-2025 season was the stuff of legends. She led Notre Dame to a remarkable regular-season record, showcasing her incredible all-around game and leadership skills. Her stats for the season were jaw-dropping: she averaged 26.2 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Her scoring was consistently high, but what truly set her apart was her ability to impact the game in every facet. Hidalgo had a knack for making her teammates better, with numerous double-digit assist games, and her defensive presence made her one of the most well-rounded players in the nation.

One of the key aspects of Hidalgo’s game was her versatility. She was capable of scoring in a variety of ways, whether it was by attacking the basket, hitting from beyond the arc, or creating opportunities for her teammates. Her quickness and ability to change direction at will made her an offensive nightmare for defenders. On defense, Hidalgo was equally impressive. She used her speed and anticipation to generate turnovers, and her ability to guard multiple positions made her a constant disruption on that side of the ball.

In addition to her individual success, Hidalgo played a vital role in leading Notre Dame to the top of the ACC standings. Her leadership helped the Fighting Irish capture the conference title, and her performances in key games—such as a 35-point, 10-assist outing against rival Louisville—proved her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needed her most. As the season progressed, it became clear that Hidalgo’s play was the driving force behind Notre Dame’s success, and her name was firmly entrenched in the conversation for National Player of the Year.

The Significance of the National Player of the Year Award

The Sports News National Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors a player can receive in college basketball. It is a recognition of not only individual brilliance but also leadership, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure. For Hannah Hidalgo, winning this award represents the culmination of years of hard work and growth as a player. It’s a validation of her commitment to excellence and her determination to make her mark in women’s basketball.

Hidalgo’s win also highlights the growing prominence of women’s college basketball. The women’s game has seen a tremendous surge in popularity over the past decade, with more attention being paid to the incredible athletes and teams in the NCAA. Hidalgo’s recognition as the National Player of the Year places her in the same conversation as some of the best players in the history of women’s college basketball. Her achievement helps elevate the women’s game and underscores the incredible talent and skill that exists on the court.

Furthermore, this award is a reflection of the success of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program under head coach Niele Ivey. Since taking over as head coach, Ivey has built a program that has consistently been among the best in the country. With Hidalgo as the centerpiece, Notre Dame has become a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and this National Player of the Year honor is a testament to the hard work and vision of Ivey and her staff.

Hidalgo’s Impact on Notre Dame’s Legacy

Hannah Hidalgo’s achievement has a far-reaching impact on the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. The Fighting Irish have long been one of the top programs in women’s college basketball, with multiple NCAA championships to their name. However, Hidalgo’s win of the National Player of the Year award represents a new chapter for the program, one that highlights the growth and future potential of the team.

With Hidalgo leading the way, Notre Dame has become one of the most feared teams in the nation. Her leadership on and off the court has helped the team reach new heights, and her success is indicative of the program’s continued success. Under Ivey’s leadership, Notre Dame has attracted some of the best talent in the country, and Hidalgo’s award further solidifies the program’s place at the top of women’s college basketball.

Hidalgo’s legacy at Notre Dame will be remembered for years to come. She has set the bar for future players who aspire to follow in her footsteps, and her impact on the team and the program will resonate long after her college career ends.

Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Hannah Hidalgo

As one of the top players in women’s college basketball, Hannah Hidalgo’s future is bright. After a historic season and earning the National Player of the Year award, Hidalgo will undoubtedly be one of the top prospects for the WNBA Draft. With her combination of scoring ability, leadership, and versatility, Hidalgo is poised for a successful professional career. Her potential to make an immediate impact in the WNBA is immense, and many analysts expect her to be one of the top picks in the upcoming draft.

However, while Hidalgo’s professional aspirations are certainly a key part of her future, her legacy at Notre Dame will forever be solidified. The impact she has had on her team, her program, and the women’s college basketball landscape will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s College Basketball

Hannah Hidalgo’s selection as the 2025 Sports News National Player of the Year represents a milestone achievement not only for her but for women’s college basketball as a whole. Her remarkable season has elevated her to the top of the sport, and her impact on the Notre Dame women’s basketball program will be felt for years to come. As Hidalgo prepares for the next phase of her career, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and dedication that will inspire the next generation of players to follow in her footsteps.

This honor highlights the growing recognition of women’s college basketball and serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and athleticism that exists in the women’s game. Hannah Hidalgo’s National Player of the Year win is a moment of pride for Notre Dame, for the women’s basketball community, and for all those who continue to support and promote the growth of women’s sports. As Hidalgo moves on to the next chapter of her career, her legacy will be remembered as one of the most defining moments in the history of women’s college basketball.