In the wake of Olivia Miles’ stunning decision to enter the transfer portal, Notre Dame women’s basketball has experienced an emotional wave—none more heartfelt than the reaction of sophomore standout Hannah Hidalgo. The rising star, who quickly became one of the most electrifying players in the country during her freshman year, took to social media to express her thoughts and feelings about Miles’ potential departure, delivering a message that captured the deep bond shared between the two guards.
An Emotional Moment for Notre Dame
Miles’ transfer portal decision came as a surprise to many. After sitting out the 2023-2024 season due to a knee injury, Miles returned to form with a vengeance, displaying the poise and playmaking that had long made her a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish. When news broke that she would not be returning to Notre Dame for her final year of eligibility, fans were shocked—and so were her teammates.
Hidalgo, who shared the backcourt spotlight with Miles during their time together, was quick to respond—not with disappointment or frustration, but with admiration, love, and unwavering support.
“You’ve been more than a teammate to me,” Hidalgo wrote. “You’ve been a sister, a mentor, and someone I’ve looked up to since day one. No matter where you go, your light is going to shine. I’m always in your corner.”
The message quickly went viral among the Notre Dame fanbase, who praised Hidalgo’s maturity and grace. More than just a few words, her post reflected the emotional toll transitions like these can take, especially when bonds run deeper than just shared minutes on the court.
A Special Backcourt Connection
Though their time on the floor together was limited, the chemistry between Miles and Hidalgo was undeniable. With Hidalgo’s aggressive, fast-paced scoring style and Miles’ court vision and leadership, the duo offered a glimpse into what could have been one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country.
Hidalgo, who averaged over 22 points, 5 assists, and nearly 4 steals per game in her freshman season, credited much of her early growth to watching and learning from Miles—even during her recovery period. In multiple interviews, she spoke about how Miles set the standard for what it meant to lead with composure and play with purpose.
Their relationship extended beyond the hardwood. Whether it was locker room laughs, film sessions, or simply encouraging each other through injuries and setbacks, the two shared a sisterhood that fans grew to admire.
The Bigger Picture
Miles’ decision to enter the transfer portal, while unexpected, reflects the new era of collegiate athletics—where players are empowered to seek opportunities that align with their goals, both on and off the court. Her move to explore a fresh start doesn’t diminish her legacy at Notre Dame, but it does mark the end of a significant chapter in the program’s history.
For Hidalgo, the news is both a personal and professional turning point. As she steps into a larger leadership role on the team, her message to Miles was more than just a goodbye—it was a recognition of the impact Miles had on her development and a public show of solidarity.
“Change is part of this journey,” Hidalgo added in her post. “But the love and respect never change.”
Moving Forward
Notre Dame will now look to rebuild and reimagine its backcourt as the 2025 season approaches. With Hidalgo at the helm, the team still has plenty to be excited about. But for a moment, the headlines shifted from stats and schedules to something more profound: the human side of college athletics.
In an era often dominated by stats, rankings, and transfers, Hannah Hidalgo’s heartfelt message reminded the world of the friendships, mentorships, and emotions that form the backbone of every team.
As Olivia Miles begins her next chapter, wherever it may take her, she does so with the full support of those who know her best—none more powerfully voiced than through the words of a teammate who truly cared.
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