Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo makes March Madness history

Sophomore star's tournament run ends in Elite Eight against powerhouse UConn

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:58pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, kelly green, and gold, capturing the energy and movement of a women's basketball game.Hidalgo's dynamic performance in the NCAA Tournament highlights the rising talent and potential of the Notre Dame women's basketball program.Notre Dame Today

Hannah Hidalgo, a sophomore guard for the University of Notre Dame women's basketball team, had a standout performance in this year's NCAA Tournament, leading her team to the Elite Eight before falling to perennial powerhouse UConn.

Why it matters

Hidalgo's tournament run was a significant accomplishment for the Notre Dame program, which has struggled to make deep postseason runs in recent years. Her performance showcased her talent and potential as a rising star in women's college basketball.

The details

Hidalgo, a 5'9" guard, averaged 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game during Notre Dame's tournament run. She helped lead the team to victories over higher-seeded opponents before ultimately falling to UConn, one of the most dominant programs in women's basketball history.

  • Hidalgo and Notre Dame reached the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Hannah Hidalgo

A sophomore guard for the University of Notre Dame women's basketball team who had a standout performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

University of Notre Dame

A private Catholic university in Notre Dame, Indiana, known for its successful athletics programs, including the women's basketball team.

University of Connecticut (UConn)

A public research university in Storrs, Connecticut, with a dominant women's basketball program that has won numerous national championships.

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What they’re saying

“Hannah Hidalgo is a special player, and we knew we'd have our hands full trying to stop her. She's a big reason why Notre Dame made it this far.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, University of Connecticut

The takeaway

Hidalgo's performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament showcased her talent and potential, and it has generated excitement and optimism for the future of the Notre Dame women's basketball program.