Hannah Hidalgo Named AP Preseason All-American Ahead of Senior Season
Photo: ND Athletics
Notre Dame women’s basketball star Hannah Hidalgo continues to add to her growing list of accolades, earning Associated Press Preseason All-American recognition ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season.
The senior guard enters her final collegiate campaign as one of the nation’s most productive and disruptive players. The latest honor follows her selection as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Preseason Player of the Year earlier this month, further highlighting the expectations surrounding Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish.
Hidalgo’s Historic Production Sets Her Apart
Hidalgo delivered one of the most statistically impressive seasons in college basketball last year, leading the ACC with 25.3 points per game while topping the nation in steals at 5.6 per contest.
She also averaged 6.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, showcasing her ability to influence nearly every aspect of the game.
According to Notre Dame Athletics, Hidalgo became the only men’s or women’s college basketball player this century to average at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals per game in a single season.
Her defensive impact was equally remarkable. Hidalgo recorded 202 steals, setting an NCAA single-season record and reinforcing her reputation as one of the sport’s most disruptive defensive guards.
The combination of scoring, playmaking, rebounding and defensive pressure makes Hidalgo a central figure in Notre Dame’s ambitions entering the new season.
Notre Dame Star Joins an Exclusive Group of College Basketball Greats
Hidalgo’s accomplishments extend beyond a single season. She has also joined a select group of four players from major conferences this century to record at least 2,000 career points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists and 400 steals.
The group includes:
Alana Beard — Duke
Shernise Johnson — Miami
Armintie Price — Ole Miss
Hannah Hidalgo — Notre Dame
Hidalgo is the first player among the four to reach those statistical milestones before completing her junior season.
The achievement reflects her all-around production and consistency throughout her college career. Reaching those marks requires more than elite scoring; it also demonstrates an ability to create opportunities for teammates, contribute on the glass and generate defensive turnovers.
With her senior season approaching, Hidalgo has another opportunity to build on an already historic résumé while leading Notre Dame against some of the country’s top competition.
Fighting Irish Prepare for the 2026-27 Season
Notre Dame will begin its preseason schedule with an exhibition against Truman State on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. ET inside Purcell Pavilion.
The Fighting Irish will then open the regular season against Villanova on Nov. 1 at noon ET at the Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome. The matchup is scheduled to air on FS1.
With Hidalgo returning after a record-setting campaign and earning national preseason recognition, Notre Dame enters the season with a proven star capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.
What It Really Means
Hidalgo’s AP Preseason All-American selection is another indication of the national expectations surrounding her final season at Notre Dame.
Her scoring numbers make her an offensive centerpiece, but her historic steals total and career milestones demonstrate that her influence goes well beyond putting points on the board. She can pressure opposing ball handlers, create turnovers, facilitate the offense and contribute as a rebounder.
For Notre Dame, Hidalgo’s production and leadership will be important as the Fighting Irish navigate their schedule and pursue their postseason goals. For the rest of college basketball, she is a player opponents must account for on virtually every possession.
The next chapter begins with Notre Dame’s exhibition against Truman State before the Fighting Irish travel to Rome to launch the regular season against Villanova.
Source: Notre Dame Athletics
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