Full Breakdown
Hannah Hidalgo Returns for Senior Season at Notre Dame
4/10/2026, 10:30:37 AM
Core Event: Hidalgo's Decision to Stay
Hannah Hidalgo, a standout guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has announced her decision to return for her senior season. This announcement follows the team's elimination from the NCAA tournament, where they reached the Elite Eight before losing to the University of Connecticut. Hidalgo confirmed her intentions via social media, posting a photo in her Notre Dame uniform with the caption "Run It Back."
Background & Context: A Stellar Career
Hidalgo has had an impressive collegiate career, earning multiple accolades including the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons. In her junior year, she set an NCAA single-season record for steals with 202, leading Division I in steals per game at 5.6. Additionally, she averaged 25.2 points per game, ranking third nationally. Her performance included ten games scoring 30 or more points, with a career-high of 44 points against Akron.
Key Figures & Groups: Hannah Hidalgo
Hidalgo's achievements extend beyond individual accolades; she has been recognized as an All-American in each of her three seasons at Notre Dame. She was a first-team selection by the Associated Press in 2024 and 2025, and also received the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Her career statistics include 481 steals, positioning her among the top players in NCAA history.
Official Statements & Responses
After the loss to UConn, Hidalgo expressed her desire to improve her game, stating, "Just working on creating space, being able to finish over taller players... It's about upping my game, just trying to prepare as much as I can." She acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that the upcoming roster will be different but emphasized the importance of building on their recent success: “We know that the people coming in next year, they’re going to have to raise their level because we know what it feels like to get to the Elite Eight.”
Why It Matters: Implications for Notre Dame
Hidalgo's return is significant for the Fighting Irish as they aim to build on their recent tournament success. With her leadership and experience, the team will look to overcome the hurdles that have prevented them from advancing further in the NCAA tournament. Her presence is expected to elevate the performance of incoming players and strengthen the overall competitiveness of the team.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Run It Back.” — Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Guard
- “We know that the people coming in next year, they’re going to have to raise their level because we know what it feels like to get to the Elite Eight.” — Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Guard
- “And there's so many areas of growth left for me on the court,” — Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Guard
Hidalgo's decision to remain at Notre Dame not only reflects her commitment to the program but also sets the stage for a promising final season as she prepares for a potential career in the WNBA.