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Who is Hannah Hidalgo? Notre Dame's Sophomore Star Shining in March Madness

about 1 year agoUS
Who is Hannah Hidalgo? Notre Dame's Sophomore Star Shining in March MadnessSource: usatoday.com
March Madness often elevates players to stardom, and Notre Dame's sophomore guard, Hannah Hidalgo, is shining brightly. Leading the No. 3 seeded Fighting Irish into the Sweet 16 of the 2025 women's NCAA Tournament, Hidalgo's performance is drawing national attention as they prepare to face No. 2 TCU.

Key Insights

Elite Scorer:: Hidalgo ranks third nationally in scoring, averaging 24.1 points per game on 47.3% shooting during her sophomore season (2024-25).

Defensive Dynamo:: Known for her tenacious defense, she averages 3.7 steals per game, building on her freshman year where she led the nation in steals (averaging 4.6). She describes her goal as taking the "heart of the ballhandler away."

All-Around Player:: Beyond scoring and steals, she contributes significantly with 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game this season.

Accolades:: She is the reigning ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Recruiting Standout:: Hidalgo was the No. 5 overall recruit and top point guard in the 2023 class, earning McDonald's All-American co-MVP honors.

Why this matters: Hidalgo is a pivotal player for Notre Dame's championship aspirations. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor makes her one of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball and a key factor in the high-stakes Sweet 16 matchup against TCU.

In-Depth Analysis

Hannah Hidalgo, despite being just 5-foot-6, plays with exceptional intensity and skill. Recruited out of Paul VI High in New Jersey, where she scored over 2,000 points and was coached by her father, Hidalgo made an immediate impact at Notre Dame.

Her sophomore season stats show improvement in scoring efficiency compared to her impressive freshman campaign (22.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 4.6 SPG). Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey praises Hidalgo's 'swag,' 'fearlessness,' and high basketball IQ, noting her dedication to film study and understanding opponent tendencies.

While an offensive force, her defensive prowess truly sets her apart. Her quick hands and instincts allow her to disrupt opponents consistently, providing crucial momentum shifts for the Fighting Irish. This defensive pressure will be vital against TCU, a team that handed Notre Dame its first loss earlier in the season. The Irish are looking to showcase their defensive improvements, spearheaded by Hidalgo, in this crucial rematch.

FAQs

Is Hannah Hidalgo eligible for the WNBA draft?

No, Hidalgo is currently 20 years old. WNBA draft rules require domestic players to be at least 22 during the draft year and have no remaining college eligibility or renounce it.

How tall is Hannah Hidalgo?

She is listed at 5-foot-6 on Notre Dame's official roster.

What was Hannah Hidalgo's recruiting rank?

She was ranked as the No. 5 overall player and the No. 1 point guard in the 2023 recruiting class by ESPN HoopGurlz.

Key Takeaways

Hannah Hidalgo is a must-watch player in the NCAA tournament due to her elite scoring and game-changing defensive abilities.

Her performance is critical to Notre Dame's success, especially in high-pressure games like the upcoming Sweet 16 matchup.

Understand that her defensive intensity isn't just about stats; it's a core part of her playing style that energizes her team.

Discussion

Hannah Hidalgo's impact is undeniable, but how far can she lead the Fighting Irish this year?

*Do you think Hidalgo is the most exciting player in women's college basketball right now? Let us know your thoughts!*

*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*

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