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Hannah Hidalgo is leading a new era for women’s basketball
Born on February 22, 2005, in Merchantville, New Jersey, Hannah Hidalgo has quickly become one of the most electric young players in women’s basketball. A dynamic point guard known for her fierce defense, explosive scoring, and high basketball IQ, Hidalgo has emerged as a standout talent for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, dominating college basketball from the moment she set foot on the court.
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Meet Hannah Hidalgo: The NCAA Star With Pro-Level Game and Global Swagger
Growing up in a sports-centric household, Hidalgo’s passion for basketball developed early. Coached by her father, Orlando, and constantly challenged by her four brothers, she built her game on grit, hustle, and leadership. Despite not falling in love with basketball immediately, her drive and skill flourished at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
As a senior, she averaged 28.8 points, 7.3 steals, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, guiding her team to the South Jersey Non-Public A final. A three-time Courier-Post Player of the Year and the 2023 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, she left Paul VI as the all-time leading scorer with 2,135 points. In the McDonald’s All-American Game, Hidalgo tied the steals record (8) and set a new scoring record with 26 points, earning co-MVP honors alongside JuJu Watkins. She was ranked the No. 5 player in her class by ESPN.
Dominance at Notre Dame
Freshman Season (2023-24)
Hidalgo’s debut season at Notre Dame was nothing short of historic. She scored 31 points in her debut against South Carolina: the highest debut total for any Notre Dame player since at least 1999. She went on to lead the nation in steals (4.6 per game) and average 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
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Highlights of her freshman year include:
- First triple-double against Western Michigan: 26 pts, 11 rebs, 10 asts.
- Record-breaking 35-point game against Georgia Tech.
- Shattered Notre Dame’s freshman scoring and steals records.
- Named ACC Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, only the second player in league history to win both in the same season.
- Named a First-Team AP All-American, WBCA Coaches’ All-American, and USBWA Second-Team All-American.
- Won the 2024 Dawn Staley Award as the nation’s best guard.
She capped her freshman year by leading Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 and was named ACC Tournament MVP.
Sophomore Season (2024-25)
Entering her second season, Hidalgo was named preseason AP All-American and ACC Player of the Year. She rejoined backcourt partner Olivia Miles to form one of the most potent duos in the country. Early in the season, Hidalgo continued her dominance:
- Scored 24 points and delivered eight assists in a win over No. 3 USC.
- Dropped 30 points in an overtime victory against No. 4 Texas.
- Became the fastest Notre Dame player to reach 1,000 career points.
- Delivered 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists to beat No. 2 UConn.
- Scored a season-high 34 points against Louisville in February 2025.
Despite missing two games with an ankle injury in January, Hidalgo remains one of the top guards in the NCAA.
International Career with Team USA
Hidalgo’s excellence extends beyond the college court. She helped Team USA win gold at both the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2023 U19 World Cup, where she made the all-tournament team. She broke Team USA records for assists (13) and steals (8) in single games. Her international dominance earned her the title of 2023 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year.
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In 2025, Hidalgo was named to the USA roster for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, averaging 12.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game en route to another gold medal.
Personal Style and Impact
On the court, Hidalgo’s style is aggressive and relentless, a reflection of her upbringing and competitive spirit. Off the court, she’s calm, grounded, and fun-loving. She believes in staying loose before games and credits her team dynamic for much of her success.
Proud of her Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, Hidalgo represents a growing wave of young, multicultural stars reshaping the face of women’s basketball. Comparisons to greats like Diana Taurasi aren’t just hype, they speak to her limitless ceiling and star power.
With two powerhouse seasons already under her belt and a growing international profile, Hannah Hidalgo is well on her way to becoming one of the all-time greats. Whether on a college court, international stage, or future pro league, her name will be one to watch for years to come.
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