Multiple Notre Dame players hit the transfer portal in recent days in direct response to a homophobic post from teammate Hannah Hidalgo prior to the season

In recent days, the Notre Dame women’s basketball program has been shaken by a series of player departures, with multiple key figures entering the transfer portal. The departures have raised questions and concerns about the internal culture of the team, and they are seemingly in direct response to a social media post made by star point guard Hannah Hidalgo prior to the start of the 2024 season. This situation highlights the tension between personal beliefs, team unity, and the inclusivity that modern college sports demand. In this piece, we will analyze the context of the controversy, the players’ departures, the program’s response, and what this all means for the future of Notre Dame women’s basketball.

The Controversial Post and Its Fallout

The controversy surrounding Hannah Hidalgo began in the summer of 2024, when the sophomore guard shared a post on her social media that included a video from conservative commentator Candace Owens, who has been widely criticized for her anti-LGBTQ+ views. The video in question featured Owens making remarks about same-sex marriage, claiming it was a threat to traditional family values. While Hidalgo later deleted the post, the damage had already been done. The video was widely circulated among Notre Dame’s basketball community, and many players were understandably upset by her actions.

The timing of the post was especially sensitive. Hannah Hidalgo was already a key figure in the program, known for her leadership on and off the court. As one of the most talented young players in women’s basketball, her views carried weight, and the post was perceived by many as a betrayal of the inclusive values the program had worked so hard to foster. Her teammates, many of whom belong to the LGBTQ+ community, felt hurt and alienated by her actions.

The Impact on the Locker Room and the Exodus of Players

The fallout from Hidalgo’s post has been nothing short of dramatic. Within weeks, several key players—most notably Olivia Miles, Emma Risch, and Kate Koval—entered the transfer portal. Miles, a star point guard who had long been expected to leave for the WNBA, made a surprising decision to leave the program altogether, opting for a fresh start at another school. Her decision was accompanied by a cryptic social media post that many interpreted as a direct response to Hidalgo’s earlier post. In it, Miles wrote, “Can’t treat people bad then hide behind religion.” This message was a clear indication that Miles, a leader within the team, could not reconcile Hidalgo’s controversial views with her own personal beliefs.

In addition to Miles, Risch and Koval’s exits further weakened an already thin roster. Risch, known for her sharpshooting ability, and Koval, a dominant presence in the post, were both integral to the team’s success. Their departures left Notre Dame with a significant gap in talent, which will undoubtedly have long-term implications for the team’s competitiveness.

While the exact reasons for their departures are private, it is widely believed that Hidalgo’s social media post played a central role in their decisions. Many players have expressed feeling uncomfortable in the aftermath of the post, with some feeling that it created a toxic environment in the locker room. Several former teammates took to social media to express their dismay at the situation, some indicating that they felt they were not supported by the coaching staff in addressing the issue.

The Broader Implications for Team Culture and Notre Dame’s Reputation

The departure of multiple players in such a short period is a clear sign that the Notre Dame women’s basketball program is facing a crisis of confidence. The issue goes beyond just basketball—it’s about values, inclusivity, and how a team, especially one as high-profile as Notre Dame, handles such divisive issues.

Niele Ivey, the head coach of the program, has always been a strong advocate for creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Her leadership was integral in building a culture where athletes felt comfortable and respected, regardless of their backgrounds. The current situation poses a significant challenge to Ivey’s ability to maintain that culture. The departures of key players indicate that some individuals on the team felt that the leadership failed to properly address the incident, allowing division and discord to fester.

Beyond just team dynamics, this controversy has the potential to affect Notre Dame’s broader reputation. The university has long prided itself on fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity, both academically and athletically. This incident, however, may lead to questions about how serious the program is in addressing issues of homophobia and discrimination. The NCAA, along with other governing bodies, is placing an increasing emphasis on inclusivity, and Notre Dame’s response—or lack thereof—will likely be scrutinized moving forward.

Hannah Hidalgo’s Response and the Fallout

In the aftermath of the controversy, Hannah Hidalgo issued a public apology through a statement on the university’s official website. In it, she acknowledged that her decision to share the post was a mistake and expressed regret for the pain it caused her teammates and the LGBTQ+ community. She wrote, “I love all people and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone in my life. I made an error, and I want to be held accountable for it.”

While Hidalgo’s apology was met with some support, there were many who remained skeptical. Some felt that her apology was more about damage control than genuine remorse. Others noted that while Hidalgo deleted the post, she continued to follow conservative figures with similar views on social media, raising questions about the authenticity of her apology.

For many of her teammates, her apology did not go far enough. Several players voiced their displeasure with the way the incident was handled, feeling that there had not been a sincere effort to address the situation head-on. The absence of concrete actions, such as team meetings or open discussions about the issue, left many players feeling unheard and unvalued.

What’s Next for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball?

As the program grapples with the departures of key players, the immediate future of Notre Dame women’s basketball looks uncertain. Without the leadership and talent of Olivia Miles, Emma Risch, and Kate Koval, the team will face an uphill battle in competing at the highest level. Coach Niele Ivey and her staff will need to quickly pivot and fill the gaps left by these departures. This may involve looking to the transfer portal for experienced players or relying on younger talent to step up.

At the same time, the program must focus on healing and rebuilding trust. The issue of inclusion and respect cannot be brushed aside, and the team must find a way to address the underlying cultural issues. Coach Ivey will likely need to take a more active role in guiding the team through this difficult time, fostering open dialogue about the issues at hand, and making it clear that all players, regardless of their backgrounds or identities, are valued and respected.

The Larger Conversation: Balancing Personal Beliefs and Team Unity

This controversy also raises larger questions about how athletes, coaches, and teams navigate the intersection of personal beliefs and the values of a team or institution. In a diverse and inclusive environment like Notre Dame, it is essential that players respect the differences and identities of their teammates. While personal beliefs should always be respected, they cannot come at the cost of team unity and respect for one another.

For Notre Dame’s players, the challenge moving forward will be to find a way to reconcile their differences and continue playing for each other, regardless of personal beliefs. It will require open and honest communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to the values of inclusivity that are so integral to the fabric of the team.

A Turning Point for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

The recent departures of several key players from Notre Dame women’s basketball following the controversy over Hannah Hidalgo’s homophobic post marks a significant turning point for the program. The team must now find a way to rebuild, not just in terms of talent, but also in terms of culture. Moving forward, it will be crucial for both the coaching staff and the players to foster an environment where all individuals feel supported and valued, regardless of their personal backgrounds or beliefs. This will require honest self-reflection, openness to change, and a renewed commitment to inclusivity. How the program responds to this crisis will define its future.