Why was Hannah Hidalgo, a standout guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, not selected as a finalist for the prestigious Naismith Award? Despite her remarkable statistics and record-breaking performances, the omission has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Hidalgo has had an exceptional 2025-2026 season, averaging 25.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 steals per game. Her recent triple-double against Vanderbilt, where she scored 31 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and recorded 10 steals, exemplifies her impact on the court.
In that same game, Hidalgo not only led her team to a 67-64 victory but also broke the NCAA single-season steals record with a total of 199 steals. Her ten steals in the game set a new NCAA tournament record for total steals in one tournament with 26, making her the second player in NCAA tournament history to achieve a triple-double with steals.
Despite these accolades, Hidalgo was not among the finalists for the Naismith Award, a decision that has sparked discussions about the criteria used for selection. “Hannah is the player of the year,” said teammate KK Bransford, highlighting the disparity between performance and recognition.
Hidalgo’s journey this season has been remarkable, especially considering her team’s rocky start at 13-8. However, her leadership and skill have propelled Notre Dame to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.
As the team prepares to face top-seeded UConn for a spot in the Final Four, Hidalgo’s performance will be critical. “What are you going to do to get over this hump?” questioned Charel Allen, emphasizing the pressure on the young athlete.
Hidalgo’s dedication to improvement is evident; she even sought advice from Maya Moore at the Final Four to understand what it takes to win a championship. “I felt like I was floating,” Hidalgo remarked about her recent performance, showcasing her confidence and skill.
With the upcoming match against UConn, all eyes will be on Hidalgo as she aims to lead her team further into the tournament. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the selection process for the Naismith Award, but one thing is clear: Hannah Hidalgo is a player to watch.
