After a host of stars including Olivia Miles decided to pursue moves away from Notre Dame, Hannah Hidalgo has revealed her reasons for wanting to stay put with the Fighting Irish
Notre Dame starlet Hannah Hidalgo has revealed that her sense of “loyalty” to her teammates and coaches inspired her decision to stay put with the Fighting Irish.
Spectulation had previously abounded that the youngster could enter the transfer portal, following the lead of Olivia Miles, Kate Koval and Emma Risch in joining the exodus. However, the highly-rated guard has instead decided to return to the program next season – putting an end to rumors over her future.
The 20-year-old ended her sophomore year at the school having averaged an impressive 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game across 2024-25. Eventually Notre Dame’s NCAA Tournament tilt ended at the Sweet 16 stage, with TCU inflicting a 71-62 defeat to end their hopes of a March Madness triumph.
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Speaking to NBC Sports, Hidalgo has now opened up on her reasons for wanting to remain with the Fighting Irish beyond the most recent campaign. Issuing a vow to fans, she reaffirmed her commitment to the program, saying: “I think I’m just being loyal, you know I’m with my coaches, my teammates. I’m with them until my last day playing at Notre Dame.
“I think that was the biggest thing with a whole bunch of stuff with the NIL and the portal and everything like that. I’m where my feet are and I’m happy where I’m at,” she said, before looking forward to a break over the summer: “I’m taking it day by day, just getting in the gym and summer time is next. I’m getting in the gym and working on my craft.
Speaking with pride about the rise of the women’s game generally, she added: It’s a blessing, just to be an inspiration to the younger generation. You know, these kids have somebody to look up to and to see how far the women’s game has come. When I was younger, it wasn’t being talked about and was very talked down on so to see how many people are talking about women’s basketball is truly a blessing.”
Previously, the prospect discussed her future in length, as she expressed her admiration for Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey. In a revealing conversation with Sportskeeda, she said of the Fighting Irish figure: “She’s tough coaching me on the court.
And then off the court, she’s coming to me and inviting us over and showing love. That’s so important because I want to play for somebody who cares for me, and doesn’t just care what I’m providing for them on the court.”
Revealing her reasons for staying in Indiana, she added: “I want to be at a program where I’m at for four years. That’s my goal. That was my goal coming into college, and that’s still my end goal.
“It’s also about loyalty. It’s also about being loyal to my coach. She has done so much for me. She has treated me so well. She has been through a lot of ups and downs with me. And she’s been consistent throughout the whole process. She’s given so much to me, and I want to be able to give back to her.”
