Breaking News: Notre Dame Guard Hannah Hidalgo Named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year
In a landmark achievement for both Notre Dame and women’s college basketball, sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo has been honored as the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Hidalgo’s exceptional performance on the court, her leadership, and her significant contributions to the sport.
A Season of Excellence
Hannah Hidalgo’s journey to this accolade has been marked by a series of outstanding performances. Throughout the 2024–2025 season, she led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with an impressive average of 24.2 points per game and 3.7 steals per game, ranking second and fourth nationally, respectively. Her scoring prowess and defensive tenacity were instrumental in Notre Dame’s success, culminating in a 26–5 season record and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament .
In addition to her scoring and defensive statistics, Hidalgo demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc and averaging 2.1 three-pointers per game. Her ability to contribute across various facets of the game made her a standout player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and on the national stage.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Hidalgo’s impact extended beyond individual statistics. She became the first player in Notre Dame history to record over 600 points in both her freshman and sophomore seasons, joining an elite group of players to achieve this feat. Her 108 steals during the season set a new program record for a sophomore, and she became only the fourth player in Notre Dame history to record a 100-steal season .
Her exceptional performance in the McDonald’s All-American Game, where she scored a record-breaking 26 points and matched the game record with eight steals, further highlighted her readiness for collegiate competition .
National Recognition
Hidalgo’s stellar season did not go unnoticed. She was named the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, accolades that underscore her dual-threat capabilities on both ends of the court. Her selection to the Associated Press All-America First Team as both a freshman and sophomore places her in an exclusive group, joining the ranks of legends like Maya Moore and Courtney Paris .
Beyond her collegiate achievements, Hidalgo’s international contributions have been significant. She played a pivotal role in leading the USA Women’s U19 National Team to a gold medal at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, showcasing her ability to perform on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
As Hidalgo continues to develop her game, the future looks incredibly bright. Her combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities make her one of the most promising talents in women’s basketball. The USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year award is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the impact she has had on the sport.
Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate Hidalgo’s future endeavors, both at Notre Dame and potentially on the international stage. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder of the heights that can be achieved through perseverance and excellence.
For more updates on Hannah Hidalgo and the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, stay tuned to official team channels and sports news outlets.