What does Hannah Hidalgo’s recent performance in the NCAA tournament say about her standing in women’s basketball? Despite not being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Naismith Award, Hidalgo has proven herself to be a formidable player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, showcasing remarkable statistics throughout the season.
In the 2025-2026 season, Hidalgo averaged 25.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 steals per game. Her standout moment came during a March Madness game against Vanderbilt, where she recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals.
Hidalgo’s performance not only led to a victory for Notre Dame, with a score of 67-64, but also helped the team advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. Her 10 steals in that game set a new NCAA tournament record for total steals in one tournament, bringing her season total to 199 steals, breaking the NCAA single-season steals record.
Hidalgo’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and became the second player in NCAA tournament history to achieve a triple-double with steals. “Hannah is the player of the year,” said her teammate KK Bransford, highlighting her impact on the court.
Despite the accolades, Hidalgo expressed her feelings after the game, stating, “I felt like I was floating,” reflecting the high stakes and emotions of March Madness. Coach Niele Ivey has praised Hidalgo’s unique talent, while Shea Ralph noted, “She’s just a special player.”
As the tournament progresses, Hidalgo’s focus remains on the next challenge. Notre Dame is set to face top-seeded UConn for a spot in the Final Four. This matchup will be crucial for Hidalgo and her team as they aim to continue their successful run in the tournament.
While Hidalgo’s individual accomplishments are impressive, the question remains whether her team can capitalize on this momentum to secure a championship. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the outcome of the upcoming game against UConn, but the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Hidalgo as she seeks to lead her team to victory.
