In a bold and unprecedented move, Notre Dame’s sensational guard Hannah Hidalgo has declared that she is staying with the Fighting Irish for the entirety of her collegiate basketball career. The emotional announcement, shared in front of fans and teammates, marked a groundbreaking commitment that signals her unwavering loyalty to the university, the program, and its legacy.
While technically not a legally binding contract, Hidalgo’s promise to remain at Notre Dame “until retirement” has been embraced as a symbolic, heartfelt pledge. Her declaration came just days after concluding a historic freshman season that cemented her as one of the brightest stars in college basketball.
Hidalgo burst onto the national stage with incredible averages of 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and a nation-leading 4.6 steals per game. Her relentless energy, lightning-quick defense, and scoring ability made her a nightmare for opponents and a highlight machine for fans. Honors quickly followed: ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-American, and recipient of the prestigious Dawn Staley Award.
But beyond the accolades and stats, what sets Hidalgo apart is her attitude — a fierce competitor with a team-first mindset and a contagious passion for the game. Her love for Notre Dame radiated throughout her announcement, where she called the university “home” and praised the coaching staff, her teammates, and the fan base that has embraced her since day one.
“I came here to be part of something bigger than myself,” Hidalgo said. “This is family. This is where I’m meant to be — not just for now, but for good.”
Off the court, Hidalgo has also become a prominent figure in the rapidly evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. Her charisma, work ethic, and rising stardom have attracted major brands eager to collaborate with one of the most exciting young athletes in the country. But instead of letting the spotlight distract her, Hidalgo has used her platform to empower others, advocate for women in sports, and uplift her community.
Her decision to stay — rather than pursue professional opportunities early or transfer to other schools for potentially bigger deals — is seen as a powerful statement about commitment, loyalty, and legacy. In an era where player mobility is common, Hidalgo’s choice to remain rooted in South Bend speaks volumes about her character and her vision for the future.
She has also made it clear that her ambitions extend far beyond individual success. Hidalgo aims to help Notre Dame win national championships, mentor younger players, and elevate the program to even greater heights. Drawing inspiration from past Irish legends like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Arike Ogunbowale, she’s determined to build a legacy of her own — one defined by excellence, leadership, and long-term impact.
“I’m not just here to play,” she said. “I’m here to leave a mark. I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything to this school and this program.”
As the next season approaches, Notre Dame fans can rest easy knowing their superstar isn’t going anywhere. With Hidalgo leading the charge, the Fighting Irish are poised to remain a powerhouse in women’s college basketball — and perhaps even redefine what it means to be a modern-day student-athlete.
“I’m staying forever,” she repeated with a smile. “And we’re just getting started.”
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