Overview of Hannah Hidalgo’s Career

Early Life and Background

Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to becoming a national player of the year is rooted in her deep love for basketball, a passion she discovered at a young age. Born and raised in New Jersey, Hidalgo quickly made a name for herself as one of the most dynamic players in her region. From the moment she picked up a basketball, her natural talent became apparent. Her ability to both score and create opportunities for her teammates set her apart from her peers.

Her rise in the basketball world was no accident. Hidalgo played for the prestigious Blair Academy in New Jersey, where she turned heads with her high basketball IQ, leadership, and unmatched work ethic. Her time at Blair helped her develop into a complete player, excelling in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. By the time she graduated, she was regarded as one of the top high school recruits in the country, with a long list of prestigious college programs vying for her talents.

As a highly coveted recruit, Hidalgo chose to attend Notre Dame, one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, known for producing elite players and competing at the highest level. Her decision to join the Fighting Irish was a natural fit, given the program’s commitment to excellence and its history of developing players who go on to have successful careers in the WNBA and beyond.

High School and Recruitment Journey to Notre Dame

Hidalgo’s recruitment process was intense, with nearly every major program in the country showing interest. However, the allure of Notre Dame, its prestigious academic reputation, and the chance to compete at the highest level of women’s basketball ultimately swayed her decision. Under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, who herself is a former Notre Dame great, Hidalgo would have the opportunity to grow not only as a player but also as a person, within a system that emphasized teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

Her transition to college basketball was seamless, as she quickly adapted to the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the sport at the Division I level. In her first year, she displayed flashes of brilliance, with her ability to score in multiple ways, facilitate for teammates, and defend at a high level. This set the stage for what would become an extraordinary career at Notre Dame.

Style of Play and Unique Attributes

What sets Hidalgo apart from her peers is her versatility and basketball IQ. As a guard, she has the ability to both run the offense and score from virtually any spot on the court. Her court vision is exceptional, making her a threat not just as a scorer but as a playmaker who can set up her teammates for easy buckets. She is known for her quick decision-making, ability to read defenses, and excellent ball-handling skills.

On defense, Hidalgo is just as impactful. Her tenacity on the defensive end, combined with her quickness and anticipation, makes her a nightmare for opposing players. She has consistently been praised for her ability to lock down opposing guards, create turnovers, and transition quickly into offense.

Throughout her career, Hidalgo has shown an ability to thrive in pressure situations, often taking over games in key moments and elevating the play of her teammates. Her leadership on the floor, combined with her consistent improvement, made her one of the most respected players in the NCAA.

Season Highlights: A Dominant 2024-2025 Campaign

Hannah Hidalgo’s 2024-2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. From the opening tip-off, it was clear that this would be a season for the ages. Hidalgo’s statistics alone were impressive, but it was her impact on the game and her ability to influence outcomes that set her apart from other contenders for the Sporting News National Player of the Year.

Key Games and Stat Lines

One of the standout performances of the season came in a marquee matchup against the University of Connecticut. In a game that many considered a “must-win” for Notre Dame’s chances at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, Hidalgo put on a show. She scored 28 points, dished out 7 assists, and grabbed 5 rebounds, leading the Fighting Irish to a commanding victory. Her ability to take over in the second half and hit crucial shots down the stretch proved her poise and leadership under pressure.

In another pivotal game against the defending national champions, Hidalgo delivered a 30-point performance, including a clutch game-winning layup with seconds left on the clock. It wasn’t just her scoring that caught the eye of observers, but the way she orchestrated the offense and kept her team focused when the game was on the line.

Throughout the season, Hidalgo averaged 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, all while shooting over 45% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. These numbers not only reflect her offensive prowess but also her ability to impact the game in multiple facets.

Leading Notre Dame to New Heights

In addition to her individual success, Hidalgo’s leadership played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s team success. The Fighting Irish finished the regular season as one of the top teams in the country, earning a high seed in the NCAA tournament. Hidalgo’s ability to elevate her teammates, especially during moments of adversity, was one of the main reasons for Notre Dame’s dominance this season.

Her leadership was also evident in big moments. In one of the toughest matchups of the season against a top-10 ranked team, Hidalgo registered 14 points in the final quarter alone, pushing her team to a victory. Time and time again, she delivered when the game was on the line, showing a rare combination of clutch performance and high-level basketball.

What the Sporting News National Player of the Year Award Means

A Milestone Achievement

Winning the Sporting News National Player of the Year award is a momentous occasion in any player’s career, but it carries even more weight for someone like Hidalgo. The award has been bestowed upon some of the best players in women’s college basketball history, including future WNBA stars and Olympic gold medalists. For Hidalgo to join that elite company speaks volumes about her talent, work ethic, and the impact she has made during her college career.

The recognition of this prestigious award not only cements her place among the best players in college basketball but also serves as a reminder of her commitment to the game and her continued pursuit of greatness. It acknowledges her as the best player in the country, regardless of position, and highlights her ability to excel in virtually every aspect of the game.

Past Winners and Their Legacy

The list of past winners of the Sporting News National Player of the Year includes names like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Cheryl Miller—players who have gone on to make a lasting impact on women’s basketball both at the collegiate and professional levels. For Hidalgo to join such an esteemed group is an achievement in itself, but it also sets the stage for what could be a remarkable professional career.