Hannah Hidalgo, the sensational guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is making waves in women’s college basketball. As March Madness heats up, Hidalgo is not only focused on leading her team to a national championship but also on staying grounded in her faith and navigating the pressures that come with being a rising star. This includes dealing with hate comments and remaining steadfast in her beliefs.
Hannah Hidalgo: A Rising Star in College Basketball
Hannah Hidalgo (born February 22, 2005) is an American college basketball player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). She attended Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, where she was named a McDonald’s All-American and rated the fifth-best player in her class by ESPN. In her freshman season at Notre Dame, Hidalgo earned All-American honors and led NCAA Division I in steals. At the youth international level, she has won two gold medals with the United States and was named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year in 2023.
A Phenom from the Start
Hidalgo’s impact on the court has been undeniable since her arrival at Notre Dame. She has consistently broken records and earned accolades. Some of her accomplishments include:
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2024)
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
- ACC Tournament MVP (2024)
- First-Team All-American (AP & USBWA)
- USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2023)
Her explosive playing style, characterized by speed, energy, and defensive tenacity, has made her a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with on the court. Hidalgo describes herself as a “fast, energetic, gritty type of player” who brings energy to the game, dives for loose balls, and cheers on her teammates.
Leading the Fighting Irish
As a sophomore, Hidalgo continues to lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, averaging 24.2 points per game, which ranks among the top in the nation. She has helped the team secure a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and she is determined to lead them to a championship. Hidalgo emphasizes the importance of learning from past setbacks and maintaining a strong defensive focus. She understands that her scoring may not always be consistent, but she can always rely on her defense to contribute to the team’s success.
The Power of Prayer and Faith
Faith plays a central role in Hannah Hidalgo’s life, providing her with strength, guidance, and a sense of purpose. She openly expresses her devotion to Christ, stating, “Christ is my everything. He’s my Lord and Savior. He’s the reason that I fight, the reason that I do everything, the reason that I’m able to do what I do.”
Prayer as a Source of Strength
Hidalgo relies on prayer to manage anxiety and stay focused, often listening to gospel music and asking God for peace before games. She was also appointed as the team’s prayer leader, praying before meals and games.
Giving Glory to God
Hidalgo attributes her success to God’s blessings. She makes it a point to give Him glory in interviews and through her actions on and off the court. Her father, Orlando, encourages her to find a Bible verse when she is angry on the court.
Blocking Out Hate and Negativity
With her rising fame, Hannah Hidalgo has also faced negativity and hate comments, including some related to her religious beliefs. It’s been reported that she allegedly shared a video expressing that same-sex marriage is a “sin”. This drew criticism and trolling from some fans.
Dealing with Criticism
Hidalgo’s approach to dealing with negativity is to focus on her goals, her faith, and the support of her family and community. She is learning to block out the outside noise and stay true to herself.
The Importance of Perspective
Hidalgo gained perspective after visiting a Ronald McDonald House. Seeing children who were seriously ill and still happy allowed Hidalgo to reflect on her appreciation for life.
Family and Influences
Hannah Hidalgo’s family has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout her basketball journey. Both her parents played basketball, and her father coached her in high school.
A Basketball Family
Hannah was raised in a family that was deeply involved in basketball. Her father coached her, and her mother refereed. All of her brothers played, and her sister married a basketball player.
Embracing Her Heritage
Hidalgo proudly embraces her Puerto Rican and African American heritage. She enjoys Puerto Rican food and music, and she represented the Puerto Rico U16 team along with her younger brother, Judah.
March Madness and Beyond
As Hannah Hidalgo and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish embark on their March Madness journey, they are determined to make a statement. Hidalgo is focused on leading her team to a national championship. She is also aware of the challenges that come with high-profile success, and she is committed to staying grounded in her faith and values.
National Championship Goals
Hidalgo dreams of leading her team to the Final Four and winning a national championship. She knows that it will take hard work, dedication, and a strong team effort to achieve this goal.
WNBA Dreams
While Hidalgo is focused on the present, she also has aspirations of playing in the WNBA. She is working hard to develop her skills and improve her game so that she can be successful at the next level.
Hannah Hidalgo’s journey is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. She has demonstrated that with hard work, dedication, faith, and a strong support system, anything is possible. As she continues to shine on the court, she is also making a positive impact off the court, serving as a role model for young people and demonstrating the importance of staying true to oneself.
