Hannah Hidalgo Named ACC Player of the Year
Notre Dame held an open practice as star guard Hannah Hidalgo earned ACC Preseason Player of the Year honors.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball
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The Notre Dame women's basketball program hosted an open practice at Rolfs Athletics Hall, where Hannah Hidalgo was honored as the ACC Preseason Player of the Year. The recognition follows the program's announcement on October 13, 2026, as Hidalgo prepares for her fourth season.
Why it matters
Hidalgo has become a central leader for the team, balancing a meticulous warmup routine with active mentorship for nine incoming players with no prior collegiate experience. Her performance is critical as she enters the season as a projected top pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Head coach Niele Ivey enters her 7th year overseeing a roster that includes nine athletes new to college basketball. During the 40 minutes of media access at the South Bend facility, observers noted 6'3" transfer Anaya Hardy participating in team drills.
The players
Hannah Hidalgo
She is a fourth-year guard at Notre Dame who is currently the longest-tenured player on the roster and a top prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Niele Ivey
She is the head coach of the Notre Dame women's basketball team and is entering her seventh year in that role.
Skylar Diggins
She is an established WNBA player who participated in team drills during the open practice session.
Anaya Hardy
She is a 6'3" transfer student who joined the Notre Dame program after playing at Louisville.
The details
WNBA veteran Skylar Diggins participated in practice drills, providing high-level competition for the squad. Hidalgo leads the team by maintaining intense practice habits and initiating early contact with new arrivals to build cohesion.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The open practice occurred and the ACC award was announced.
Season Trajectory
This recognition aligns with the current evaluation cycle for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Hidalgo's role as the team's veteran leader sets the competitive standard for a roster undergoing significant transition with nine newcomers.
Hidalgo's selection confirms her status as a primary statistical driver for the team this season. Her mentorship of the nine newcomers will be a key factor in determining how quickly the team stabilizes its rotation during the non-conference schedule.
The takeaway
Hidalgo continues to cement her legacy at Notre Dame through both her individual on-court performance and her dedication to team culture. Players looking to emulate her success should focus on the intersection of intense, consistent preparation and active peer leadership.
Further reading
For more updates on the squad, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Bend Tribune.
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