Hannah Hidalgo, a sophomore point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been recognized as the 2025 National Player of the Year, underscoring her exceptional talent and leadership on the basketball court….
Hannah Hidalgo: 2025 National Player of the Year – A Rising Star in Women’s College Basketball
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, certain players emerge as undeniable forces, capturing the attention of fans, coaches, and analysts alike. Hannah Hidalgo, a sophomore point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is one such player. Her selection as the 2025 National Player of the Year is not just a testament to her extraordinary talent but a recognition of her ability to lead, inspire, and elevate her team to new heights.
At just 20 years old, Hidalgo has already achieved more in her young career than many athletes do in an entire college tenure. Her rise to prominence in the world of college basketball has been nothing short of spectacular. With her impressive blend of skill, poise, and leadership, Hidalgo is not just shaping the future of the Notre Dame program but is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball.
A Journey to the Top
Hannah Hidalgo’s path to becoming the 2025 National Player of the Year has been defined by hard work, determination, and an innate basketball IQ. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hidalgo’s basketball journey began at an early age. Raised in a basketball-centric environment, she honed her skills playing against older competition, which helped develop her confidence and resilience. By the time she reached high school, it was clear that Hidalgo was destined for greatness. As a standout at Paul VI High School in New Jersey, she dominated the court, earning a reputation as one of the nation’s top recruits.
Her high school accolades were plentiful, including multiple All-State honors and recognition as one of the top point guards in the country. However, it was her decision to attend Notre Dame that would serve as the springboard for her eventual rise to national stardom. Known for producing some of the most talented players in women’s college basketball, Notre Dame offered Hidalgo the perfect stage to showcase her skills.
Hidalgo’s Impact on Notre Dame
From the moment Hidalgo stepped onto the court for the Fighting Irish, it was clear that she was something special. As a freshman, she made an immediate impact, playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive and defensive strategies. But it was during her sophomore season that Hidalgo truly began to show the world what she was capable of.
In the 2024-2025 season, Hidalgo’s playmaking ability reached new levels. As the primary ball handler, she averaged an impressive 9.5 assists per game, setting up her teammates for easy baskets with precision passing and court vision. But it wasn’t just her assists that stood out—her scoring ability also took center stage. Averaging 19.7 points per game, Hidalgo displayed a versatile offensive game, capable of driving to the basket with explosive speed or hitting jump shots from beyond the arc. Her ability to score in multiple ways kept opposing defenses guessing, making her nearly impossible to defend.
However, what truly set Hidalgo apart was her leadership on the floor. As a point guard, she was not only responsible for orchestrating the offense but also for setting the tone for the entire team. Her poise under pressure, especially in close games, demonstrated her maturity beyond her years. She consistently made clutch plays in critical moments, whether it was hitting a game-winning shot, making a key defensive stop, or delivering an assist that led to a crucial basket.
A Well-Rounded Player
While Hidalgo’s offensive prowess is certainly a significant part of her success, her impact on the defensive side of the ball is equally important. Often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player, Hidalgo’s quickness, agility, and defensive awareness made her a formidable defender. Her ability to disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers, and play lockdown defense made her a complete player.
Moreover, her leadership and work ethic extended beyond the game itself. In practice, she pushed her teammates to perform at their best, fostering a culture of hard work and accountability. Her relationship with head coach Niele Ivey, herself a former standout at Notre Dame, is one built on mutual respect. Coach Ivey has often praised Hidalgo for her basketball IQ and her ability to make others around her better, calling her “a once-in-a-generation player” whose presence on the court transforms the entire team.
The Road to National Player of the Year
As the 2025 National Player of the Year, Hidalgo’s remarkable individual accomplishments were finally recognized on the national stage. Her selection to this prestigious honor is a culmination of her hard work, talent, and dedication to her craft. Throughout the season, she consistently displayed the qualities that made her stand out not just in the ACC but also across the country. Her leadership in leading Notre Dame to a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, her ability to execute in clutch situations, and her consistent dominance on both ends of the floor were major contributing factors to her recognition.
What sets Hidalgo apart from many of her contemporaries is her maturity. Despite being only a sophomore, she has demonstrated the poise of an upperclassman. In an era of fast-paced, high-scoring basketball, Hidalgo has maintained her composure in high-pressure situations, always making the right play at the right time.
A Bright Future Ahead
While Hidalgo’s accomplishments to date are remarkable, it is clear that this is just the beginning of what promises to be a legendary career. With two more years of eligibility remaining at Notre Dame, the sky is the limit for this young point guard. Her ability to elevate her game each season has already made her a favorite to be the first overall pick in future WNBA drafts. But for now, she remains focused on leading the Fighting Irish to even greater success, with her eyes set firmly on national championships and continuing to improve her all-around game.
Off the court, Hidalgo has also become a role model for young girls across the country, showing them that hard work and perseverance can lead to great success. She uses her platform to promote women’s sports and inspire the next generation of athletes. Her impact transcends the game of basketball, as she continues to pave the way for women in sports.
Conclusion
Hannah Hidalgo’s selection as the 2025 National Player of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of her immense talent, leadership, and work ethic. As a sophomore point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, she has already made a profound impact on the game of basketball. Her skills, poise, and leadership on and off the court make her one of the most exciting young players in the sport, and her future in both college basketball and the professional ranks looks incredibly bright. As the college basketball world watches her progress, one thing is certain: Hannah Hidalgo’s story is far from finished, and she will continue to leave a lasting mark on the sport for years to come.
