Notre Dame’s standout sophomore guard, Hannah Hidalgo, has been awarded the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year, distinguishing herself among an elite group of finalists including Juju Watkins of USC, Lauren Betts of UCLA, and Paige Bueckers of UConn.
Hidalgo’s exceptional performance throughout the season has been a driving force behind the Fighting Irish’s success. Averaging 25.9 points per game, she ranks second nationally in scoring, and her defensive prowess is evident with an average of 4.0 steals per game, also placing her second in the country.
Her ability to shine in high-stakes matchups has been particularly noteworthy. In a December 2024 game against UConn, Hidalgo delivered a near triple-double, recording 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, leading Notre Dame to a 79-68 victory over the then No. 2 Huskies. This performance marked her as the first player in the past 25 seasons to achieve multiple games against UConn with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Hidalgo’s accolades extend beyond the Naismith Award. In April 2024, she received the Dawn Staley Award, recognizing her as the nation’s top guard—a first for a player from the Philadelphia area.
The competition for the Naismith Player of the Year was formidable. Paige Bueckers, a previous Naismith Award winner, had a stellar season, leading UConn with 19.2 points and 4.8 assists per game, and achieving remarkable shooting percentages. She was also a finalist for the Wade Trophy and projected as the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Juju Watkins of USC and Lauren Betts of UCLA also had impressive seasons, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes and solidifying their reputations as top players in women’s college basketball.
Hidalgo’s recognition as the Naismith Player of the Year underscores her exceptional talent and impact on the court, cementing her status as one of the premier players in college basketball.
