In the dynamic world of college basketball, where talent, transfers, and leadership are constantly in flux, a strong message from a coach to their star player can define a program’s trajectory. That’s precisely what has happened at Notre Dame, where Head Coach Niele Ivey has sent an unequivocal message to her phenom guard, Hannah Hidalgo, a message that resonated far beyond the confines of Purcell Pavilion and set a clear tone for the future of Fighting Irish women’s basketball.
The message is twofold, delivered with both pride and expectation: Hannah Hidalgo is not just a superstar, she is the undisputed face of Notre Dame women’s basketball, and she is poised to become the face of women’s college basketball as a whole.
This powerful declaration from Coach Ivey comes at a pivotal time for the Notre Dame program. Following a highly successful 2024-2025 season that saw them reach the Sweet 16, the Irish experienced a significant roster overhaul. Key players, including former star guard Olivia Miles, entered the transfer portal, while others exhausted their collegiate eligibility or departed for the WNBA. This mass exodus left a void, elevating Hannah Hidalgo from a burgeoning star to the undeniable focal point of the team.
Ivey’s initial, groundbreaking message to Hidalgo was captured by ESPN as part of their “Full Court Press” docuseries. In a candid one-on-one meeting with Hidalgo, Ivey was direct and challenging. “Next year, you’re going to be the face of women’s basketball,” Ivey told Hidalgo, adding, “Because not only are you a great player, you’re a great person.” This wasn’t merely a statement of fact; it was a charge, a challenge, and a profound vote of confidence.
Ivey doubled down on this sentiment in subsequent interviews, including on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “She’s going to be the best player in the game,” Ivey asserted. “She’s ready for it. Rising junior. Somebody that has exploded on the stage since her freshman year. Coming off an incredible sophomore year. Yeah, she’s just ready for it. I’m excited that she’s going to be the face of women’s basketball. But she’s earned it and deserves it.”
This strong message from Coach Ivey carries immense weight for several reasons:
1. Acknowledging and Elevating Elite Status: Hidalgo’s freshman year (2023-2024) was nothing short of historic. She shattered Notre Dame records, led the nation in steals, earned First Team All-ACC honors, and quickly became one of the most exciting players in the country. Her sophomore campaign (2024-2025) saw her continue to ascend, refining her offensive game and maintaining her tenacious defense. By explicitly calling her “the best player in the game” and “the face of women’s basketball,” Ivey is not just acknowledging Hidalgo’s past achievements, but publicly declaring her belief in Hidalgo’s trajectory to transcend even her current superstardom. This kind of endorsement from a respected coach can be a powerful motivator and validate a player’s self-belief.
2. Placing the Mantle of Leadership: With the departure of several upperclassmen, the leadership void at Notre Dame is undeniable. Ivey’s message to Hidalgo wasn’t just about her on-court brilliance, but about the “intangible piece – the leadership.” Ivey specifically challenged Hidalgo to become a “vocal person” and embrace her role as an upperclassman. Hidalgo’s response, as reported, was equally strong: “I feel like for me, I think this year I’ve really grown, I’ve seen and know how I want to lead. I’m gonna say this and do something different, building that chemistry off the court and then being around each other, just having that family environment.” This indicates a shared understanding and a readiness from Hidalgo to step into this expanded leadership role.
3. Setting Expectations for a Transformed Roster: The 2025-2026 Notre Dame roster will look significantly different. While Ivey has been active in the transfer portal, the team will still be integrating new faces and relying on the development of younger players. By placing Hannah Hidalgo at the absolute center of this new team – as the “artist” on a “blank canvas,” as Ivey metaphorically put it – the coach is making it clear that Hidalgo will be the primary engine driving the team’s success. This puts immense pressure on Hidalgo, but it also empowers her, signaling that the team will be built around her strengths and vision.
4. Strategic Positioning in the NIL Era: In the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), a coach publicly endorsing a player as the “face of women’s basketball” has significant implications beyond the court. It enhances Hidalgo’s brand, making her an even more attractive prospect for endorsement deals and partnerships. This financial and branding support can be crucial for player retention and for attracting future talent, as it showcases how Notre Dame supports its stars.
5. Countering Transfer Portal Narratives: The recent departures from Notre Dame could have fueled narratives of instability. Ivey’s strong, positive message about Hidalgo serves as a powerful counter-narrative. It emphasizes that while the roster may be in flux, the foundation – a generational talent in Hidalgo and a strong coaching staff – remains firmly in place. This can reassure recruits, current players, and the fanbase about the program’s long-term health and competitiveness.
6. Hidalgo’s Response and Readiness: Crucially, Hidalgo has embraced this challenge. Her comments about wanting to win and her hunger for the leadership role demonstrate her maturity and dedication. Her recent inclusion on the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Team USA roster further highlights her elite status and readiness for the global spotlight. Playing alongside top talent, including former Notre Dame teammate Olivia Miles, on an international stage will only sharpen her skills and leadership.
The Road Ahead for Notre Dame: While Hannah Hidalgo is undoubtedly a generational talent capable of carrying a team, women’s college basketball is a team sport. The ultimate success of Notre Dame in the 2025-2026 season will still depend on how well the new pieces gel around Hidalgo, the continued development of the younger players, and the defensive prowess that Niele Ivey’s teams are known for. However, with Ivey’s strong message, the vision is clear: Hannah Hidalgo is the undeniable leader, the primary playmaker, and the magnetic force around which the new-look Fighting Irish will coalesce.
The pressure on Hannah Hidalgo will be immense. Every move, every shot, every decision will be scrutinized. But Coach Ivey’s bold declaration isn’t just a statement of faith; it’s a strategic move to empower her star and rally the program around her. It’s a clear indication that Notre Dame women’s basketball believes it has the talent, the leadership, and the vision to remain a national contender, with Hannah Hidalgo leading the charge as the proclaimed “face of women’s basketball.” The anticipation for the upcoming season in South Bend has just reached a fever pitch.
