Hannah Hidalgo’s time with Notre Dame is not over.
Hidalgo, who was named the Naismith and WCBA Defensive Player of the year this season, will be returning to the Fighting Irish for her senior year, she confirmed Thursday on social media.
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The Haddonfield, N.J. native announced the news in a joint Instagram post with the Notre Dame women’s basketball account showing Hidalgo in an Irish uniform with the caption “Run it Back.”
Hidalgo, 21, also has no intentions of transferring and plans on finishing her NCAA career with Notre Dame, ESPN reported.
Though Hidalgo is ineligible for the WNBA draft this year, she is widely projected to be a lottery pick in 2027.
Hidalgo had a career-best year at Notre Dame this season, setting a NCAA record in total steals (202), along with leading Division I with 5.6 steals per game, winning both AAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
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She also was effective on offense, averaging 25.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 47.5 percent from the field in 36 games.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo shoots a free throw during the second half at Dickies Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Hidalgo was the top contributor on a Notre Dame squad that reached the Elite Eight in this year’s NCAA tournament before ending with a 70-52 loss to UConn.
In that game, Hidalgo scored 22 points with 11 rebounds and three steals while shooting 7-of-19 from the field.
“And there’s so many areas of growth left for me on the court,” Hidalgo told ESPN of about her plans for her final year of college following the loss to UConn. “Just working on creating space, being able to finish over taller players.
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“And then in the WNBA, they’re all bigger, they’re stronger, they’re more athletic, they’re more talented. So, it’s about upping my game, just trying to prepare as much as I can. Building my muscle, getting stronger.”
