Breaking news: Notre Dame’s sophomore guard, Hannah Hidalgo, has been named the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year for 2025, highlighting her exceptional performance throughout the season.
This prestigious accolade adds to her earlier recognition as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Standing at 5-foot-6, Hidalgo has been a pivotal force for the Fighting Irish, leading them to a 25-4 overall record and a shared regular-season ACC title. Her dynamic playmaking abilities and defensive prowess have set her apart in collegiate basketball.
Hidalgo’s journey to this honor began at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, where she was coached by her father, Orlando. As a senior, 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 high school career earned her the title of New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year and a spot as a McDonald’s All-American.
At Notre Dame, Hidalgo continued to excel. In her freshman season, she averaged 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and led NCAA Division I with 4.6 steals per game. Her remarkable performances earned her the Dawn Staley Award, recognizing the nation’s top guard, and multiple All-American honors.
Hidalgo’s sophomore season further solidified her status as one of the nation’s premier players. She was named a preseason AP All-American and the ACC Preseason Player of the Year. Notable performances included a 30-point game against Texas and a 34-point effort against Louisville. Her leadership and skill have been instrumental in Notre Dame’s success.
This recognition as the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year underscores Hidalgo’s significant impact on the court and her promising future in basketball.
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