Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo joins lists with Fever’s Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell

Notre Dame Star Hannah Hidalgo Joins Lists with Fever’s Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell

Notre Dame freshman phenom Hannah Hidalgo has quickly established herself as one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Her record-breaking performances, elite scoring ability, and defensive prowess have propelled her into elite company, placing her alongside WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell in various statistical and historical lists.

Hannah Hidalgo’s Rise to Stardom

Hidalgo entered her freshman season with high expectations, but few anticipated the sheer dominance she would display from the start. As the leader of Notre Dame’s offense, she has consistently delivered standout performances, showcasing her ability to score, facilitate, and defend at an elite level.

Her explosive speed, court vision, and relentless defensive pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the best guards in the country, and her name is now appearing in discussions alongside two of the greatest scorers in recent college and WNBA history—Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.

Joining Elite Company: Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell

Both Clark and Mitchell have rewritten record books with their scoring abilities. Caitlin Clark, the Iowa superstar, has dominated the NCAA with her deep shooting range and unparalleled playmaking skills. She has shattered numerous scoring records and is widely regarded as the most electrifying player in women’s college basketball today.

Kelsey Mitchell, a former Ohio State standout, set the all-time NCAA record for three-pointers made and was one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball history before being drafted by the Indiana Fever. Now a WNBA veteran, Mitchell continues to be one of the top guards in the league.

For Hidalgo to be mentioned in the same breath as these two legends is a testament to the impact she has had in such a short time at Notre Dame. Whether it’s her ability to put up high-scoring performances or her knack for stuffing the stat sheet in multiple categories, Hidalgo is proving that she belongs among the best.

Breaking Records and Making History

Hidalgo’s impressive performances have landed her on multiple statistical leaderboards. Some of her biggest accomplishments so far include:

• Scoring Milestones: She became one of the fastest freshmen to reach 500 career points, a feat that puts her alongside Clark and Mitchell in terms of scoring efficiency early in a career.
• Defensive Dominance: Hidalgo’s ability to generate steals and disrupt opposing offenses has made her one of the best defensive guards in the country. She ranks among the NCAA leaders in steals per game, showcasing her elite two-way play.
• Triple-Doubles and All-Around Excellence: Like Clark, Hidalgo has the ability to contribute across all statistical categories. She has already recorded multiple games with high assists and rebound numbers, proving her versatility.

The Notre Dame Legacy and the Future

Notre Dame has a rich history of producing elite women’s basketball talent. From Skylar Diggins-Smith to Arike Ogunbowale, the program has developed some of the top guards in the sport. Hidalgo is carrying on that tradition, and if her freshman season is any indication, she could be on her way to becoming one of the all-time greats.

As she continues her journey, Hidalgo has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Clark and Mitchell by dominating at the college level and eventually making her mark in the WNBA. With each game, she is solidifying her status as one of the next big stars in women’s basketball.

What’s Next for Hannah Hidalgo?

With the season still ongoing, Hidalgo has plenty of opportunities to continue breaking records and making history. Notre Dame is poised for a deep tournament run, and Hidalgo will be at the center of their success. If she keeps up her current pace, she could challenge for National Player of the Year honors and cement her legacy as one of the best freshmen to ever play in the NCAA.

For now, she can take pride in the fact that her name is being mentioned alongside Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell—two players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. If Hidalgo’s trajectory continues, she may soon find herself not just on these lists but at the very top of them.