Coach Ivey Predicts Hannah Will Be the Best Player in the Game: ‘She’s Ready for It.

In the world of college basketball, it’s not every day that a coach places such high expectations on a player, but for Coach Niele Ivey and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, that’s exactly what she’s done for Hannah Hidalgo. With a career that has already included numerous accolades and standout performances, Coach Ivey recently made a bold statement about her star player: “Hannah’s going to be the best player in the game, she’s ready for it.” These words speak volumes not only about the talent of the 2026 recruit but also about the confidence Coach Ivey has in her abilities and her potential to take the women’s game by storm.

This statement comes at a time when Hidalgo is making waves as one of the most promising young prospects in the country. Known for her electrifying speed, exceptional court vision, and leadership, she has garnered attention from all corners of the basketball world. Coach Ivey’s belief in her is not just a reflection of Hidalgo’s current skill set but also a testament to her growth potential and readiness to take the next step in her career.

Let’s dive into why Coach Ivey’s confidence in Hannah Hidalgo is not only warranted but exciting for the future of Notre Dame women’s basketball and the sport as a whole.

The Rise of Hannah Hidalgo

Hannah Hidalgo has quickly established herself as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in women’s basketball. Standing at 5’9” with a quick first step and impressive handles, she’s developed a reputation for being a true floor general who can control the tempo of a game. With a basketball IQ that belies her age, Hidalgo can read defenses, create opportunities for teammates, and take over a game when needed.

While still in high school, Hidalgo has already shown flashes of greatness that have captured the attention of not only college coaches but also fans across the country. Her impressive stats, leadership qualities, and work ethic make her an undeniable talent, but it’s her potential to impact games at the next level that has many people talking. It’s clear that Hidalgo is poised to make her mark on the collegiate game in a big way, and Coach Ivey’s prediction only adds to the buzz surrounding her future.

Hidalgo’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and a relentless drive to improve. Her journey through high school basketball has been nothing short of remarkable, with numerous honors and awards under her belt. However, it’s her readiness to step into the spotlight and take on the challenges that come with playing for one of the top programs in the country that sets her apart. For Coach Ivey, it’s not just about Hidalgo’s raw talent, but her mental toughness and ability to handle the pressures of being a star.

Coach Niele Ivey’s Leadership and Impact

As the head coach of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, Niele Ivey has been a transformative figure for the program. Since taking over in 2020, Ivey has made her mark with a blend of experience, passion, and a deep understanding of the game. A former star point guard for the Fighting Irish, Ivey knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and she’s dedicated to ensuring that her players reach their full potential.

One of the standout characteristics of Ivey’s coaching style is her emphasis on developing players not just as athletes, but as individuals. She works tirelessly to build relationships with her players, helping them grow both on and off the court. Her leadership is rooted in trust, communication, and a genuine belief in her players’ abilities.

In the case of Hannah Hidalgo, Coach Ivey’s faith in her is a direct result of the confidence she has seen from her player. It’s clear that Ivey sees something special in Hidalgo, and that belief has been fostered through countless hours of training, feedback, and encouragement. Ivey’s coaching philosophy has created an environment where players can thrive, and she has a track record of developing top-tier talent.

Coach Ivey’s statement about Hidalgo being the “best player in the game” is a reflection of the deep connection she shares with her players. Ivey knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and she recognizes that Hidalgo has the qualities needed to be not just a great player, but a game-changing one.

Hidalgo’s Skill Set: A Star in the Making

There are a number of reasons why Coach Ivey believes in Hannah Hidalgo’s potential to be the best player in the game. Her skill set is already elite, and there’s room for growth as she continues to develop her game at the collegiate level.

Basketball IQ

One of the most impressive aspects of Hidalgo’s game is her basketball IQ. From her ability to make pinpoint passes to her awareness of where teammates are on the court, Hidalgo plays with a level of maturity that stands out. She is rarely caught off guard and knows how to adjust to any defensive scheme. Her understanding of the game allows her to control the flow of the action, which is a quality that makes her stand out from many of her peers.

Speed and Agility

Another defining characteristic of Hidalgo’s game is her speed and agility. She has the ability to blow by defenders with a quick first step, leaving them in her dust. Whether driving to the basket or pushing the ball up the court, her burst of speed is one of the most dangerous aspects of her game. Hidalgo’s athleticism allows her to beat defenders off the dribble and attack the basket with precision and power.

Playmaking Ability

As a point guard, Hannah Hidalgo is naturally a playmaker, and her vision on the court is exceptional. She has the ability to read defenses in real-time, making split-second decisions that lead to assists and easy buckets for her teammates. Her basketball court awareness is second to none, and she’s capable of making plays that few players can even envision.

Leadership and Confidence

One of the qualities that Coach Ivey has consistently praised in Hidalgo is her leadership. From the moment she steps on the court, Hidalgo carries herself with a level of confidence that is contagious. Her teammates look to her for direction, and she’s always ready to take on the responsibility of being the player who leads by example. Her leadership ability is what sets her apart and makes her a true floor general.

The Notre Dame Fit

For Hannah Hidalgo, the opportunity to play for Notre Dame under Coach Ivey is the perfect fit. Notre Dame has long been known as a powerhouse in women’s basketball, and under Ivey’s leadership, the program is poised for continued success. Hidalgo’s skill set aligns perfectly with the style of play that Ivey has developed at Notre Dame, which focuses on high-paced offense, strong defense, and a team-oriented approach.

The combination of Hidalgo’s talent and Notre Dame’s winning culture has the potential to take the Irish to new heights. As a future star point guard, Hidalgo will be tasked with running the offense, and her ability to create plays for her teammates will be invaluable to Notre Dame’s success. Additionally, her leadership will be essential in continuing to build a championship-caliber team.

Hannah Hidalgo’s Future: What’s Next?

As Hannah Hidalgo prepares to take the next step in her basketball journey, all eyes will be on her development and growth as a player. With Coach Ivey guiding her along the way, there is little doubt that Hidalgo will continue to reach new heights and make an impact on the college basketball landscape.

Hidalgo’s potential is limitless. As Coach Ivey stated, she’s ready to be the best player in the game. With the right coaching, development, and mindset, there’s no reason why Hidalgo can’t fulfill that promise. Her combination of skill, leadership, and confidence make her a once-in-a-generation talent, and she’s only just getting started.

Whether it’s leading the Irish to a national championship or becoming the most dominant player in college basketball, Hannah Hidalgo’s future is incredibly bright. With the backing of Coach Niele Ivey, the future of Notre Dame women’s basketball looks exceptionally promising.

Coach Niele Ivey’s prediction that Hannah Hidalgo will be the best player in the game is not just a statement—it’s a belief in the future of Notre Dame women’s basketball. With Hidalgo’s remarkable skills and leadership abilities, combined with Ivey’s guidance and expertise, there’s no telling how far the Irish will go. As Hidalgo continues to develop into the star player that Ivey envisions, fans can look forward to watching one of the most exciting and dynamic players in college basketball rise to prominence. The future of Notre Dame basketball is in very good hands.