ESPN SERIOUS – Hannah Hidalgo Explores Transfer Portal in Shocking Move
In a stunning and unexpected twist that has rocked the women’s college basketball landscape, Hannah Hidalgo, the electric point guard and breakout star of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has announced her decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The announcement came early Saturday morning via a statement posted on her verified Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, sending shockwaves through the college basketball community.
“After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family and mentors, I’ve decided to explore new opportunities and enter the transfer portal,” Hidalgo’s post read. “Notre Dame will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful to Coach Ivey, my teammates, and the incredible Fighting Irish fans who have supported me throughout this journey.”
Hidalgo, a 5-foot-6 dynamo from Haddonfield, New Jersey, captivated the nation during her freshman season. She averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.9 steals per game, earning her a unanimous selection to the All-ACC First Team and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year honor. Her relentless energy, lightning-quick first step, and fearless attitude made her a fixture on SportsCenter highlights and a fan favorite across the nation. She was widely regarded as the engine of Notre Dame’s success, leading the team to the Sweet Sixteen before a narrow loss to eventual national champion South Carolina.
Her departure, though not official until she selects a new school, marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the Notre Dame program. Under Head Coach Niele Ivey, the Irish had built a formidable squad around Hidalgo’s explosive play. Now, the staff faces the challenge of filling an enormous void, both on and off the court.
Speculation about Hidalgo’s next destination is already running wild. Sources close to the situation suggest that powerhouse programs such as LSU, UConn, and South Carolina have all reached out to express interest. Hidalgo, known for her competitive spirit and high basketball IQ, is expected to weigh playing style, development opportunity, and NIL potential in her decision.
This move also underscores the rapidly shifting landscape of women’s college basketball, where the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping traditional power dynamics. Hidalgo’s marketability, fueled by her charisma and dominant play, makes her one of the most coveted prospects on the move in recent memory.
“This is the kind of player who can transform a program overnight,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “Wherever she goes, she brings star power, leadership, and an unmatched will to win.”
For now, the basketball world waits with bated breath. As one of the most dynamic young players in the country, Hannah Hidalgo’s next move could tip the scales in next season’s national championship race. What began as a surprising announcement may soon become one of the most high-impact transfers in women’s college basketball history.
