Notre Dame Star Hannah Hidalgo Returning for Senior Season

Hidalgo's decision signals a strategic approach to player development and program identity in women's basketball.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, emerald, and crimson, conveying the strategic, multi-faceted nature of Hidalgo's decision to return to Notre Dame for her senior season.Hidalgo's strategic decision to return for her senior season at Notre Dame reflects a new era of player agency and program identity in women's basketball.Notre Dame Today

Notre Dame's star guard Hannah Hidalgo has announced she will return for her senior season, forgoing WNBA draft eligibility. Hidalgo's choice is seen as a calculated move to further develop her game and leadership role with the Fighting Irish, rather than immediately entering the professional ranks.

Why it matters

Hidalgo's decision bucks the trend of top college players leaving early for the WNBA draft. Her return signals a strategic approach to player development and program identity, potentially setting a new standard for how elite women's basketball talents navigate the path to the professional level.

The details

Hidalgo, who led the nation in steals last season, is viewed as one of the top point guard prospects for the WNBA. However, she has chosen to return to Notre Dame for her senior year to continue refining her all-around game, including her finishing ability and shooting consistency against longer, more athletic defenders. Her presence is expected to help the Fighting Irish return to their identity as a team that blends suffocating defense with efficient, decisive offense.

  • Hidalgo announced her decision to 'Run It Back' for her senior season on social media in April 2026.
  • The 2025-26 season saw Hidalgo set the Notre Dame single-season steals record and lead the team to the Elite Eight.

The players

Hannah Hidalgo

A star guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball team, Hidalgo is considered one of the top point guard prospects for the upcoming WNBA draft.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the Notre Dame women's basketball team, who publicly stated that Hidalgo is the best point guard in women's college basketball.

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What they’re saying

“Hidalgo is the best point guard in women's college basketball.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, Notre Dame Women's Basketball

What’s next

Hidalgo's senior season will be closely watched as she aims to further develop her game and lead Notre Dame to a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The takeaway

Hidalgo's decision to return for her senior season at Notre Dame signals a strategic, long-term approach to player development and program identity in women's basketball, potentially setting a new standard for how elite talents navigate the path to the professional level.