In a landmark announcement that has electrified the college basketball world, Notre Dame’s sensational guard, Hannah Hidalgo, has been named the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year. This prestigious award, recognizing the most outstanding female collegiate basketball player in the United States, solidifies Hidalgo’s status as a generational talent and caps an absolutely phenomenal 2024-2025 season.
The news reverberated through the Fighting Irish faithful, who have watched Hidalgo ascend to superstardom with breathtaking speed. Her impact on the court is undeniable, combining elite scoring prowess with tenacious defense, a rare and coveted combination that has made her one of the most exciting players in the sport.
Hidalgo, just a sophomore in the 2024-2025 season, built upon an already historic freshman campaign. In her debut year (2023-2024), she shattered records, earning numerous accolades including ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year. She continued that trajectory of excellence, and then some, in her sophomore season. Her relentless energy, court vision, and uncanny ability to create turnovers have made her a nightmare for opposing teams and a consistent highlight reel for fans.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Hidalgo consistently put up eye-popping numbers. She averaged over 23 points per game, showcasing her versatility as a scorer from all areas of the court – driving to the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, and improving her consistency from beyond the arc. Her commitment to defense, however, is what truly sets her apart. She continued to lead the nation in steals, regularly disrupting opponents’ offenses and turning defense into instant offense for the Fighting Irish. Her quick hands, anticipation, and fearless approach to guarding the perimeter are second to none. This two-way dominance is a hallmark of truly elite players, and Hidalgo exemplifies it.
Beyond the raw statistics, Hidalgo’s leadership and competitive fire are qualities that deeply resonate with voters for such a prestigious award. She plays with an intensity that lifts her teammates, constantly pushing the pace and demanding excellence. Her ability to perform in crucial moments, often taking over games when Notre Dame needed it most, underscored her value as a truly indispensable player. Whether it was hitting a clutch shot, orchestrating a key assist, or coming up with a game-saving steal, Hidalgo consistently delivered under pressure.
The “USA Female Basketball Player of the Year” award is one of the highest honors in collegiate basketball, often considered a strong indicator of future WNBA success and Olympic potential. For Hidalgo to receive this recognition as a sophomore speaks volumes about her extraordinary talent and the belief that she is only scratching the surface of her capabilities. She was a finalist for numerous national awards throughout the season, including the Naismith Trophy and the Wade Trophy, a testament to her consistent elite performance.
This award is not just a personal triumph for Hannah Hidalgo; it’s a significant moment for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program under Head Coach Niele Ivey. Ivey, a former Notre Dame star herself, has been instrumental in Hidalgo’s development, fostering an environment where a talent like hers can flourish. The award validates Ivey’s coaching acumen and her vision for the program, signaling that Notre Dame remains a premier destination for elite women’s basketball talent. The program has a storied history of producing national award winners and WNBA stars, and Hidalgo is the latest, brightest jewel in that crown.
The announcement of Hidalgo as the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year will undoubtedly send a powerful message on the recruiting trail. Aspiring high school basketball players looking for a program that develops talent, competes for championships, and puts players on the national stage will see Notre Dame and the success of Hannah Hidalgo as a compelling example. It reinforces the notion that under Coach Ivey, the Fighting Irish are building a program capable of consistently contending for national titles.
Hidalgo’s recognition also highlights the burgeoning talent within the ACC, a conference that showcased incredible women’s basketball in the 2024-2025 season. While she was also named the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, the national award places her atop the entire collegiate landscape. Her battles against other conference stars provided some of the most exciting matchups of the season, and her individual brilliance consistently shone through.
Looking ahead, Hannah Hidalgo’s future is incredibly bright. This award catapults her into an even more prominent national spotlight, and she will undoubtedly be a central figure in conversations about the future of women’s basketball, both at the collegiate level and beyond. Her tenacious play, combined with her humble demeanor and relentless work ethic, makes her a role model for young athletes across the country.
The USA Female Basketball Player of the Year award is a testament to an individual’s extraordinary skill, dedication, and impact. For Hannah Hidalgo, the Notre Dame Guard, it is a fitting culmination of a truly remarkable season that has seen her redefine expectations and establish herself as the undisputed best in the nation. Her name will now forever be etched among the legends of American women’s basketball.
