Hannah Hidalgo: Spotlight on a Superstar
Charlotte, North Carolina – This season, women’s college basketball is set to welcome back one of its standout players, Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame.
As the reigning ACC Player of the Year, Hidalgo is among eight returning players from the 25 All-ACC selections and one of just three individuals recognized as AP First Team All-Americans. Last year, she shared the court with notable talents like USC’s Juju Watkins and UConn’s Paige Bueckers.
With Bueckers in the WNBA and Watkins no longer in the mix, Hidalgo is aware that she’ll be under increased scrutiny. The Fighting Irish will be featured on major networks like NBC, Fox, ESPN, and ESPN2 this season.
Given that she’s the sole returning starter, there’s a lot of attention on her, especially after a disappointing Sweet 16 exit last season.
“I have a great support system. I have a great foundation,” Hidalgo mentioned in an interview. “I know the media is trying to put pressure on me, but I put my trust in Christ first. So I have nothing to fear.”
During a conversation at this week’s ACC Tipoff, Hidalgo reflected on her experience with ESPN and the documentary that showcased her journey. It seems she appreciated the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at her life beyond basketball.
When asked if she felt accurately represented, she confidently replied, “Oh, absolutely. They told my story so well.”
Reflecting on last season, which had high expectations but ultimately resulted in some tough losses, Hidalgo didn’t pinpoint a specific reason for the team’s struggles. “It was just… things happen. We had talent, but maybe we were lacking in some areas,” she shared.
However, she is optimistic about this year’s team. “I’m so excited. I think everyone brings something different. It’s like mixing ingredients for a Snickerdoodle cookie—everything blends well together,” she said.
As the only returning full-time starter, she expressed missing her former teammates, noting their unique contributions to the team’s previous successes. “We lost a lot, but we’ve also added a lot. There’s this blank canvas we keep talking about,” she added.
Talking about her time with Olivia Miles on Team USA, she reflected, “It was great playing alongside talented players. We did well together.” When asked about her relationship with Miles now, Hidalgo simply stated, “You know, she has decided to leave. So I wish her all the best.”
Regarding her experience playing for Kara Lawson on Team USA, Hidalgo expressed her admiration for Lawson’s coaching style. “I’m very happy for her. Her basketball mind is different; she brings fresh insights to Team USA that are quite unique,” she explained.
Shifting back to the current roster, Hidalgo remarked that there are seven newcomers and emphasized the untapped potential of her teammates. “We definitely had to rebuild after losing talent last year. But we’re working hard,” she noted.
When asked whether she prefers to fly under the radar after last year’s hype, she replied, “I grew up being an underdog. Surprising others can be good. Honestly, we believe in ourselves and our coaching staff.”
As for the toughest road arena she’s played in, Hidalgo candidly mentioned, “NC State. It felt like everyone was sitting right on top of you.”
