Hannah Hidalgo Returns to Notre Dame for Senior Year Amid Offseason Transfers
Hannah Hidalgo shares why she's returning to Notre Dame for senior year

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Hannah Hidalgo, standout player for Notre Dame women's basketball, has decided to return for her senior year in 2026-27. She expressed her commitment to the program, citing strong connections and a sense of family as key reasons for her decision, especially as many peers transfer to different programs.
- 01Hidalgo set the NCAA single-season steals record and led Notre Dame to its first Elite Eight in seven years.
- 02She was named ACC Player of the Year and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season.
- 03Despite interest from other programs, Hidalgo did not enter the NCAA transfer portal, focusing on her time at Notre Dame.
- 04The Fighting Irish are undergoing a rebuild after losing several key players, including Cassandre Prosper and KK Bransford.
- 05Notre Dame has added transfers Madison St. Rose and Anaya Hardy, along with a strong recruiting class.
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Hannah Hidalgo, a prominent player for Notre Dame's women's basketball team, has announced her decision to return for her senior year in the 2026-27 season. In an April 9 Instagram post, Hidalgo expressed her commitment with the phrase, 'Run it back.' During a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports on May 19, she emphasized that Notre Dame has become a home for her over the past three years, stating, 'I built a family there that I felt like I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else.' Her strong ties to the program and the support she has received played a significant role in her decision to remain, especially as many of her peers have opted to transfer to other schools. Hidalgo, who set the NCAA single-season steals record and was named ACC Player of the Year, is projected to be a WNBA lottery pick in 2027. The Fighting Irish, now entering their seventh season under head coach Niele Ivey, are in a rebuilding phase after losing several key players, including Cassandre Prosper, who was drafted by the WNBA. However, they have bolstered their roster with transfers and a promising incoming class, setting the stage for Hidalgo's final season.
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Hidalgo's return is significant for Notre Dame's women's basketball program, providing leadership and skill as they rebuild their team.
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