Breaking News: Notre Dame women’s basketball gaurd Hannah Hidalgo has won the sporting news national player of the year….
Here’s a 900-word article on Hannah Hidalgo winning the Sporting News National Player of the Year award:
Breaking News: Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo Named Sporting News National Player of the Year
In a season defined by excellence, grit, and relentless energy, Notre Dame freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo has added another accolade to her already stellar résumé: the Sporting News National Player of the Year. The announcement, made Thursday, cements Hidalgo’s meteoric rise to the top of women’s college basketball and affirms her place among the elite players in the nation — all in just her first season at the collegiate level.
Hidalgo’s journey to national stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. The 5-foot-6 dynamo from Haddonfield, New Jersey, entered her freshman campaign at Notre Dame with high expectations after a standout high school career at Paul VI High School and international success with Team USA. But few could have predicted the immediate and overwhelming impact she would have on the Fighting Irish — and the entire college basketball landscape.
From the opening tip of the season, Hidalgo played with a tenacity and confidence that belied her age. Her blistering speed, elite court vision, and scoring prowess made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. On the other end of the floor, she showcased her reputation as a tenacious on-ball defender, leading the nation in steals for most of the season. Her all-around game turned heads, and by midseason, she was firmly in the conversation for national honors.
But Hidalgo didn’t just fill up the stat sheet — she lifted Notre Dame into national relevance. With star guard Olivia Miles sidelined due to injury, many wondered whether the Irish could stay competitive in the highly-talented ACC. Hidalgo answered those doubts emphatically. She carried the load offensively and defensively, guiding Notre Dame to key conference wins and an NCAA Tournament berth.
She averaged 23.3 points, 6.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and an eye-popping 4.6 steals per game — numbers rarely seen, let alone from a freshman. Her performances against top-tier opponents were especially impressive, including a 34-point explosion against UConn in early December, which instantly became one of the signature games of her season. Her fearless play, even against storied programs and experienced defenders, earned her praise from coaches, analysts, and former players alike.
“Hannah Hidalgo is a game-changer,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo in January. “She’s not just the best freshman in the country — she’s one of the best players, period. Her motor, her mindset, her skill set — it’s all elite.”
Her tenacity on defense, often turning steals into quick points on the break, became a staple of Notre Dame’s identity. Time and time again, Hidalgo sparked momentum-shifting runs that propelled the Irish to victory. Her leadership, despite her freshman status, was evident in how teammates responded to her energy and clutch play.
The Sporting News National Player of the Year award is one of the oldest and most respected individual honors in college basketball. For a freshman to earn such recognition is exceedingly rare, underscoring just how special Hidalgo’s season has been. She becomes only the second freshman in women’s college basketball history to win the award, joining an exclusive club and etching her name into the sport’s lore.
Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey spoke glowingly about her young star: “Hannah has been a blessing to our program. She’s a fierce competitor, a selfless teammate, and one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached. What she’s done this year — and how she’s done it — is extraordinary. This is just the beginning for her.”
Hidalgo’s success has also brought renewed excitement and national attention to Notre Dame women’s basketball, a program with a rich history that includes national championships and WNBA-caliber talent. With Hidalgo at the helm and Miles expected to return next season, the Irish look poised to reestablish themselves as perennial contenders on the national stage.
Beyond the hardwood, Hidalgo has embraced her role as a representative of her team and university with poise and maturity. She’s been active in community outreach and has spoken openly about the responsibility she feels as a young Latina and African-American athlete in a prominent position. Her popularity has soared, making her one of the faces of the next generation of women’s basketball stars.
The women’s college basketball landscape is currently enjoying a golden era, with stars like Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, and Angel Reese dominating headlines. Yet even in that stacked field, Hannah Hidalgo has carved out her place, not just as a future star — but as the best player in the nation this season, according to Sporting News.
As the NCAA Tournament continues and Notre Dame pushes deeper into the postseason, all eyes will remain on Hidalgo. While she has already secured one of the most prestigious individual honors in the sport, her hunger for team success remains evident. Her relentless style of play and competitive fire are tailor-made for the intensity of March Madness, and few doubt she will rise to the occasion.
The future is bright for Hannah Hidalgo, but the present is even brighter. As a freshman, she has captivated the basketball world with her blend of skill, passion, and leadership. The Sporting News National Player of the Year title is the latest recognition of her incredible impact — and a sign that this is just the beginning of a legendary career.
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