Hannah Hidalgo: A Rising Star in College Basketball
The 2025 National Player of the Year (NPOY) award has been a highly coveted accolade in the world of women’s college basketball for years, celebrating the top players in the game who exhibit extraordinary skill, leadership, and potential. This year, the award went to an athlete who not only redefined what it means to be a point guard but also demonstrated an unmatched level of composure, vision, and basketball IQ at a young age. That player is none other than Hannah Hidalgo, the sophomore point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who has taken the college basketball world by storm and earned the prestigious title in just her second season.
Hidalgo’s selection as the 2025 NPOY is a testament to her remarkable journey, her work ethic, and her transformative impact on the court. From being a high school phenom to leading Notre Dame to national prominence, her ascent has been meteoric. In this article, we will dive deep into the factors that led to Hidalgo’s unprecedented rise and explore what makes her one of the brightest stars in the world of women’s college basketball.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Sicklerville, New Jersey, Hannah Hidalgo has always been surrounded by basketball. Raised in a family of athletes, it was no surprise when she began playing the sport at an early age. Her natural talent was evident from the start. By the time she reached Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, she was already considered one of the top point guard prospects in the nation.
Hidalgo’s high school career was nothing short of sensational. As a freshman, she helped lead her team to a state championship, showcasing her leadership, passing ability, and court vision. But it wasn’t just her ability to score that set her apart; it was her basketball IQ. Hidalgo had the rare ability to make every player around her better. Whether it was with a pinpoint pass or an unselfish assist, she always seemed to be in perfect sync with her teammates.
In her senior year, Hidalgo finished as the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year, averaging an astonishing 18.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. This incredible stat line was just the beginning of what would be an illustrious career. Her combination of skill, leadership, and determination drew the attention of major college programs across the country. Ultimately, she committed to Notre Dame, a program with a storied history of producing top-tier talent, and the decision would prove to be one that would change the trajectory of her career.
Transition to College Basketball
Hannah Hidalgo’s transition from high school to college basketball was seamless. Despite being just a freshman at Notre Dame in 2024, she quickly assumed the role of starting point guard for the Fighting Irish, a program known for its championship pedigree. From day one, it was clear that Hidalgo was no ordinary player. She was poised, confident, and ready for the bright lights of the NCAA.
Hidalgo’s freshman season was marked by flashes of brilliance. In her first year, she averaged 14.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, all while guiding Notre Dame to a Top 10 national ranking. Her ability to orchestrate the offense and elevate the play of her teammates was immediately apparent. Whether it was threading the needle for a backdoor cut or calling the right plays in crucial moments, Hidalgo’s poise was far beyond her years.
Her remarkable performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning her a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team and making her a strong contender for the NPOY award in her second year. But it was her sophomore season in 2025 that catapulted her to a level few expected.
The 2025 Season: Dominance on All Fronts
Hannah Hidalgo’s sophomore season is best described as a tour de force. In 2025, she put together a campaign that not only earned her National Player of the Year honors but also solidified her status as one of the top players in the country. Her statistics alone are staggering. Over the course of the season, she averaged 19.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game—numbers that are already among the best in Notre Dame history.
Hidalgo’s scoring ability was more dynamic than ever. Her shooting range extended beyond the three-point arc, and her mid-range game became nearly impossible to defend. But what truly set her apart was her vision. As a point guard, her ability to dissect defenses and find open teammates was unmatched. Her court awareness and decision-making in transition were vital for Notre Dame, as they averaged over 85 points per game, one of the highest marks in the nation.
Her ability to lead was also crucial in tight moments. On multiple occasions, she showed why she was the floor general for the Fighting Irish. In a December showdown against UConn, with Notre Dame trailing by 12 points late in the third quarter, Hidalgo took control. She scored 14 of her 24 points in the final 10 minutes and set up three crucial assists to help Notre Dame close the game with a 75-71 victory. This performance was emblematic of her clutch gene, her ability to perform under pressure, and her unwavering confidence.
Defensively, Hidalgo had also made significant strides. While not known for her lockdown defense, she developed into an elite on-ball defender, often shadowing the opponent’s best scorer and forcing turnovers that fueled her team’s fast break.
Leadership and Intangibles
Beyond the box score, what truly makes Hannah Hidalgo the 2025 National Player of the Year is her leadership. At just 19 years old, she already commands the respect of her teammates, coaches, and opponents. Her work ethic is second to none, often being the first player in the gym for practice and the last to leave. She sets the tone for the team both in practice and in games, pushing her teammates to reach their potential.
Hidalgo’s leadership extends beyond the basketball court as well. Off the court, she is a role model for young athletes, regularly engaging with the community and speaking to local youth about the importance of education, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Her humility, despite all of her individual accolades, has earned her admiration throughout the Notre Dame program.
One of the defining moments of Hidalgo’s leadership came during a tough stretch for the Fighting Irish, when the team lost three consecutive games in late January. It was at this point that Hidalgo rallied the team in the locker room and reminded them of their collective goal: a national championship. Her words, combined with her performance on the court, were the spark that ignited Notre Dame’s run to the Final Four, with Hidalgo leading the charge every step of the way.
The Road Ahead
With Hannah Hidalgo’s sophomore season now in the books, the future is undeniably bright for both her and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Her selection as the 2025 National Player of the Year is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of her team’s overall excellence. Hidalgo has shown she is capable of achieving greatness, and her upward trajectory seems limitless.
The next few years will undoubtedly see her continue to develop into an even more formidable player. Scouts are already predicting that she will be a high pick in the WNBA Draft once she graduates, but for now, Hidalgo is focused on bringing a national championship to Notre Dame, a feat that would cement her legacy as one of the best to ever play the game.
In an era where college basketball is brimming with talent, Hannah Hidalgo has proven herself to be a once-in-a-generation player. Her combination of skill, leadership, and work ethic is the blueprint for what it means to be truly great in this sport. As the 2025 National Player of the Year, she has set a new standard for excellence that will inspire players for years to come.
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