Hannah Hidalgo’s reply to Coach Niele Ivey revealed a great deal about her mindset as she steps into a leading role at Notre Dame. With Olivia Miles transferring to TCU, Hidalgo will now be central to the team’s success a shift underscored by a tense reunion between the two former teammates during a WNBA preseason game in South Bend. Their chilly interaction even prompted WNBA icon Sue Bird to suggest that Notre Dame and TCU should face each other on the court to settle the tension.
Recognizing the shift in team dynamics, Coach Ivey challenged Hidalgo to take on a leadership role, both emotionally and competitively. During an episode of ESPN’s Full Court Press, Ivey expressed that with new players coming in, the focus needs to be on work ethic, hunger, and intangibles like leadership. “Now that you’re an upperclassman, you have the opportunity to be that vocal leader,” she told Hidalgo. Hidalgo’s enthusiastic response “I’m so excited” signaled her readiness.
Hidalgo acknowledged the coach’s expectations and shared that she feels aligned with the team’s new direction, even with recent roster changes. “I feel like we have a solid leadership foundation,” she said. “This past year has helped me grow. I now understand how I want to lead by fostering off-court chemistry and building a family atmosphere.”
With Miles gone, Ivey made it clear that Hidalgo is expected to become not just the face of Notre Dame, but of women’s college basketball overall. “Next year, you’re going to be the face,” she told her. “Not only are you an exceptional player, but also a remarkable person.”
While some see Notre Dame’s offseason changes as a setback, Hidalgo views them as a chance for renewal. “A lot has changed, and people can take that positively or negatively,” she said. “But I see it as a blessing. We’ve got hardworking, motivated teammates who are ready to put in the effort without excuses.”
Demonstrating maturity and growth, Hidalgo also addressed past controversy by apologizing for sharing an anti-same-sex video nearly a year ago a move that disappointed fans and figures in the basketball community. Her apology signals a step forward as she embraces the leadership mantle both on and off the court.
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