Breaking News: Notre Dame women’s basketball gaurd Hannah Hidalgo has won the sporting news national player of the year…

Breaking News: Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Guard Hannah Hidalgo Wins Sporting News National Player of the Year

In a season filled with incredible individual performances, one name has stood above the rest in the world of women’s college basketball: Hannah Hidalgo, the sensational guard from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. On the heels of leading her team to a dominant season, Hidalgo has been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, an honor that not only solidifies her status as one of the best players in college basketball but also marks a pivotal moment in the program’s storied history.

The announcement of Hidalgo’s award has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, where her rise to prominence has been meteoric. From her electrifying performances on the court to her leadership and poise under pressure, Hidalgo has demonstrated time and again why she is deserving of this prestigious recognition.

This article will take an in-depth look at Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to the top, her remarkable 2025 season, the impact of her award on Notre Dame basketball, and what this accolade means for her future in the sport.

Hannah Hidalgo: A Rising Star

Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to becoming the Sporting News National Player of the Year is a testament to her dedication, talent, and relentless work ethic. Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Hidalgo’s love for basketball was evident from a young age. She began playing at the local level before moving on to the AAU circuit, where her skill set quickly caught the attention of recruiters. By the time she entered high school, it was clear that Hidalgo was a player to watch.

A standout at Hampton High School, Hidalgo was a scoring machine, routinely putting up big numbers while also showcasing her leadership on and off the court. She played with a level of intensity and maturity that belied her years, leading her high school team to state championships and earning numerous accolades in the process.

Her high school success paved the way for her to play at the collegiate level, where she committed to Notre Dame, one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. At Notre Dame, Hidalgo’s potential was immediately recognized. Despite being a freshman in 2024, she quickly emerged as one of the team’s most dynamic and consistent players. Her ability to score, facilitate, and defend made her a versatile threat on both ends of the court, and it became clear that she had the potential to become a superstar in the NCAA.

The 2025 Season: A Breakout Year for Hidalgo

While Hidalgo’s freshman season was impressive, it was in 2025 that she truly exploded onto the national scene. She put together a performance that many will remember for years to come, dominating the competition and establishing herself as one of the best players in college basketball.

Scoring Prowess

One of the standout features of Hidalgo’s game is her ability to score from almost anywhere on the court. Her offensive versatility was on full display during the 2025 season, as she led Notre Dame to an incredible run, putting up impressive numbers in nearly every game. Hidalgo averaged over 22 points per game, ranking among the top scorers in the nation.

Her shooting percentage was remarkable, especially given her high volume of shots. Hidalgo shot an impressive 48% from the field and 42% from three-point range, showcasing her ability to stretch defenses and hit big shots in clutch moments. Her mid-range game was also lethal, with an ability to break down defenses and create her own shot. Whether it was a pull-up jumper, a step-back three, or a finish at the rim, Hidalgo demonstrated an all-around offensive game that made her nearly impossible to defend.

Playmaking Ability

In addition to her scoring, Hidalgo’s playmaking was a key component of her success. Averaging over 6 assists per game, she displayed exceptional court vision and an ability to set up her teammates for easy buckets. Her passing ability was especially noticeable during fast breaks and in half-court sets, where she consistently made the right decision and delivered pinpoint passes.

Hidalgo’s decision-making was a huge factor in her success as a playmaker. She never forced shots or rushed her passes, instead letting the game come to her and making the right plays in critical moments. Her basketball IQ was evident, and her ability to orchestrate the offense helped elevate the play of her teammates, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Defensive Presence

While Hidalgo was known primarily for her offensive game, she also became a force on the defensive side of the ball during the 2025 season. Her quickness, anticipation, and tenacity made her a nightmare for opposing offenses. Hidalgo averaged 2 steals per game, often jumping into passing lanes and disrupting the flow of the opposing team’s offense. Her ability to lock down players on the perimeter was crucial for Notre Dame’s defensive schemes, and she wasn’t afraid to get physical when needed.

Additionally, Hidalgo’s ability to guard multiple positions added an extra layer of flexibility to Notre Dame’s defense. Whether she was tasked with defending a point guard or a wing player, she embraced the challenge and excelled in her matchups.

Hidalgo’s Leadership and Impact on Notre Dame

Beyond her statistical production, Hidalgo’s leadership and impact on Notre Dame’s success cannot be overstated. As a sophomore, she emerged as one of the team’s vocal leaders, consistently motivating her teammates and setting an example with her work ethic and determination. She carried herself with an unmatched level of confidence and maturity, making her not just a leader on the court, but also an influential presence off it.

Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey spoke glowingly about Hidalgo’s leadership, calling her “the heart and soul of our team.” Ivey highlighted how Hidalgo’s ability to lift her teammates and hold them accountable was a key factor in Notre Dame’s success throughout the season. “Hannah brings a level of energy and focus that is contagious,” Ivey said. “Her commitment to getting better every day is something that inspires the entire team.”

The impact of Hidalgo’s leadership was evident in Notre Dame’s performance throughout the 2025 season. The Fighting Irish finished with a 32-2 record, securing a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Hidalgo played a significant role in nearly every aspect of the team’s success, from her scoring to her leadership in the locker room.

Her presence also helped Notre Dame maintain its reputation as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. The Fighting Irish were consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation, and Hidalgo’s performance was a major reason why they were able to contend for a national championship.

What the Award Means for Hidalgo’s Career

Winning the Sporting News National Player of the Year award is a tremendous accomplishment for Hannah Hidalgo, but it also represents a major milestone in what is shaping up to be a brilliant career. The honor places her in the company of some of the greatest players to ever step foot on a college basketball court, including legendary figures like Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and Chiney Ogwumike.

For Hidalgo, this award is a reflection of her growth as a player and a testament to the hard work she’s put in over the years. It’s also a recognition of her ability to perform on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights. Despite her success, Hidalgo remains humble and focused on her team’s goals, emphasizing that the award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the work that the entire team has put in.

“Winning this award is an honor, but it’s really a team award,” Hidalgo said after the announcement. “I couldn’t do any of this without my teammates and coaches. We all work so hard, and this is just as much a reflection of the program’s success as it is my individual performance.”

Looking forward, this award likely sets the stage for Hidalgo to be a future WNBA draft pick. Her skill set, leadership, and poise under pressure make her a prime candidate for a spot on one of the league’s most promising teams. While the future is undoubtedly bright for Hidalgo, she remains focused on continuing to develop as a player and helping Notre Dame achieve its ultimate goal: winning a national championship.

The Impact on Notre Dame’s Program and Women’s College Basketball

Hannah Hidalgo’s rise to prominence has far-reaching implications for both Notre Dame women’s basketball and women’s college basketball as a whole. Her award highlights the increasing prominence of women’s sports and the growing recognition of talent at the collegiate level. For Notre Dame, the recognition of Hidalgo as the best player in the country underscores the program’s strength and commitment to excellence, further solidifying the Fighting Irish as a dominant force in women’s basketball.

Hidalgo’s success also brings attention to the increasing visibility and importance of the women’s game, as more fans and media outlets turn their attention to college women’s basketball. The increased media coverage of the women’s game, highlighted by players like Hidalgo, will only serve to further elevate the sport and inspire future generations of young athletes.