Hannah Hidalgo, a dynamic point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has taken the women’s basketball world by storm with her exceptional skills and leadership. Born on February 22, 2005, in Merchantville, New Jersey, Hidalgo’s basketball journey began at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, where she was coached by her father, Orlando Hidalgo. In her senior year, she averaged 28.8 points, 7.3 steals, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, leading her team to the South Jersey Non-Public A final. Her outstanding performance earned her the Courier-Post Player of the Year award for the third consecutive year and the New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year honor. She finished her high school career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,135 points. Hidalgo’s prowess was further recognized when she was named co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, scoring a record 26 points and tying the record with eight steals. Rated as the fifth-best player in her class by ESPN, she committed to Notre Dame over offers from prestigious programs like Michigan, Stanford, Duke, Ohio State, and UCF.
At Notre Dame, Hidalgo made an immediate impact as a freshman during the 2023-2024 season. She earned All-American honors and led NCAA Division I in steals. Her performance included averaging 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, with a remarkable 4.6 steals per game. She set a Notre Dame single-season record with 160 steals and tied the record for most free throw attempts with 237. Hidalgo’s contributions were pivotal in Notre Dame’s success, culminating in her being named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. She also received First-Team All-ACC honors and was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive year.
Beyond her collegiate achievements, Hidalgo has represented the United States on the international stage. She played for the U.S. team at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Hungary, averaging 7.7 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.6 steals per game, contributing to the team’s gold medal victory. In 2023, she was named to the all-tournament team at the FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain, where the U.S. clinched another gold medal. Hidalgo’s exceptional year was capped off with the honor of USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year in 2023, making her only the second teenager to receive this accolade.
In addition to her on-court accomplishments, Hidalgo has made significant strides in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. In December 2024, she signed a deal with Red Bull, joining a select group of collegiate athletes endorsed by the energy drink company. While her exact NIL valuation isn’t publicly disclosed, she is ranked among the top 54 highest-paid women’s basketball players, reflecting her marketability and influence both on and off the court.
Hidalgo’s heritage also plays a significant role in her identity and narrative. As the daughter of a Puerto Rican father and a Black mother, she embraces both aspects of her background. She has expressed a deep appreciation for Puerto Rican culture, enjoying traditional foods like pasteles and red beans and rice, and listening to music from artists such as Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny.
Looking ahead, Hidalgo’s trajectory suggests a bright future in professional basketball. She will be eligible for the WNBA Draft in 2027, as players must have graduated or turned 22 years old in the draft year to qualify. Her performances have drawn comparisons to legends like Diana Taurasi, highlighting her potential to make a significant impact at the professional level.
In summary, Hannah Hidalgo’s journey from a record-breaking high school career to becoming a standout collegiate athlete exemplifies dedication, talent, and cultural pride. Her story continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes, marking her as a prominent figure in the evolution of women’s basketball.
