SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As Hannah Hidalgo prepares for her second season as a point guard for Notre Dame, she has set her sights even higher than in her impressive freshman year. This includes aspirations that extend beyond accolades like first-team All-American recognition and reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Hidalgo’s drive for excellence is what distinguishes her on and off the court.
“My top priority is to be an exceptional teammate. I realize I can enhance that aspect and shift my focus from my individual goals,” Hidalgo remarked following her stellar performance in a recent exhibition game where Notre Dame dominated Davenport 101-41. “Having had a full year of experience, I feel much more at ease. I aim to be a vocal leader and infuse energy into our team.”
Her skills on the court remain at peak performance as well. In a prepared environment for the upcoming season, Hidalgo, who was named a preseason All-American, notched 31 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds for the No. 6 ranked Irish. Despite her excellent shooting performance, including making 10 out of 13 field goals and going perfect at the free-throw line, Hidalgo felt disappointment about her three-point shooting, converting just 1 of 4 attempts.
“Complacency has never been in her nature,” remarked Notre Dame coach Nielle Ivey. “Hannah is always seeking avenues to enhance her game.”
Improving on her existing remarkable achievements will be quite a challenge for Hidalgo. Last season, she helped lead her team to a 28-7 record, averaged an impressive 22.6 points per game, and topped the nation in steals with an average of 4.6 per game. She first captured national attention when she scored 31 points against the eventual national champions, South Carolina, in a 100-71 defeat. Additionally, she recorded a standout 34-point game in a significant victory over UConn, allowing her to join Caitlin Clark as one of only four Power 4 players to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists during the season. Hidalgo was honored with the Dawn Staley Award, celebrating the nation’s top guard.
With prominent players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese moving on to the WNBA, Hidalgo has a prime opportunity to establish herself as a potential leader in a new generation of talent in women’s basketball. Her personal growth will focus on becoming stronger when driving to her left, finishing through physical challenges, and expanding her shooting range.
Hannah’s father, Orlando Hidalgo, also her high school coach, mentioned that she approached her summer training with a specific checklist aimed at one ultimate goal: bringing another national championship to Notre Dame.
“Winning the ACC Player of the Year or leading the NCAA in steals isn’t her priority; it’s all about playing hard,” he explained. “What she genuinely desires is an NCAA championship.”
Orlando fondly recalls early glimpses of Hannah’s competitive spirit, especially her fierce competitiveness against her four older brothers. This passion was evident as young as five, when she secured the MVP award in a youth basketball league, facing off against older boys.
“She was unparalleled, and many kids found her intimidating due to her intensity and aggression. She was relentless, diving for balls and playing superb defense even back then. It’s rare to witness such dedication on both ends of the court. Players like Michael Jordan come to mind; he had that same fierce competitiveness. Hannah studies the game diligently and is relentless in her efforts.”
This determination has remained steadfast as she matured. Along with intensive film study sessions with Coach Ivey, Hidalgo is also focused on becoming a more vocal presence among her teammates. Cassandre Prosper, a fellow player, noted that even when not in action, Hidalgo’s enthusiasm and leadership shine through during practices.
“During drills, she’s not just there; she’s actively engaging and energizing her teammates,” Prosper noted. “This season, I believe people will witness a different side of Hannah. She’s on a mission to guide her teammates toward championship aspirations.”
Hidalgo has also sought guidance from former Notre Dame standout and two-time Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd, currently with the Seattle Storm, who have claimed WNBA titles in 2018 and 2020.
“Jewell spoke to me about the importance of taking care of my body, an area I’m actively focusing on,” Hidalgo shared. “The rigorous nature of the game demands that I stay healthy, especially through physical play.”
Ultimately, for Hidalgo, the journey of improvement revolves around a singular focus.
“I’m my toughest critic,” she acknowledged. “Coach Ivey and I are often dissecting film, and I continuously find areas where I can enhance my performance.”