Hannah Hidalgo: The Front-Runner for Player of the Year

Midway through the 2024-25 women's college basketball season, it's clear that Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo is the frontrunner for national player of the year. The sophomore guard has led the Irish to a 5-0 start in the ACC and is one of the most feared one-on-one perimeter defenders in the country.

Hidalgo's performance against then-No. 3 USC in November was followed by two other gems against top-five teams: 30 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in an 80-70 overtime win against Texas on Dec. 5, and 29 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in a 79-68 victory over UConn on Dec. 12.

The 5-foot-9 Hidalgo ranks second in Division I in scoring (25.7 points per game) and steals (4.1 per game) and has scored 25 or more points in eight games this season. She has also improved her shooting percentage from last season to 50.4% overall and 45.8% behind the arc.

Notre Dame's wins over UConn and USC are two great examples of the level of basketball Hidalgo's program has put together this season. The Irish didn't just beat these high-caliber opponents, they won both games by double digits.

Hidalgo's success this season has been a team effort. She has been able to play her best basketball while also getting contributions from her teammates. Olivia Miles, the Irish's point guard, has returned from injury and has provided Hidalgo with the support she needs on the offensive end.

With the NCAA tournament just around the corner, Hidalgo will look to continue her dominant play and lead Notre Dame to a deep run in the tournament. If she can do that, she will likely be named the national player of the year.