Hannah Hidalgo has captivated the college basketball world with her record-breaking performances and defensive effort. The Notre Dame guard stands at a mere five-foot-six, making her accomplishments even more impressive. Her offensive production is never ending, as the sophomore is averaging 25.9 pts, 5.6 reb, and 3.9 ast per game on over 50% shooting. Hidalgo’s success has drawn eyeballs from across the world, but how does she manage to do it? Well, she leans on the people she trusts.
The former ACC Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year owes a lot of her success to her family and their support. Both her parents were basketball players, and that makes them invaluable supporters for Hidalgo. They know when to say something, and when to let the athlete process their own victories and losses. Her support system is the reason that she has gotten this far, and they are pretty impressive in their own right!
A family bond forged on the basketball court
Hannah Hidalgo’s family is pretty well-versed in basketball. Her father, Orlando, and her mother, Tamara, both hooped at a relatively high level. They know what it’s about, and what to expect. Orlando Hidalgo, of Puerto Rican descent, is a basketball coach. He served as her coach at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, where Hannah honed her skills under his watchful eye.
Orlando has also coached multiple AAU programs including Team Final and Philly Triple Threat, going onto train people like NBA star Cam Reddish and more! He had his daughter competing in boys’ leagues at the age of 6, drilling into her head the importance of defense and mindset. That is a major contributor towards her winning DPOY honors in her very first season!
Her mother, Tamara Williams-Hidalgo, is currently an assistant chief probation officer, but she has years of playing experience under her belt. She is probably Hannah’s biggest fan, sharing every single one of her achievements on social media.
Tamara’s pride in Hannah’s accomplishments is palpable. Reflecting on her daughter’s growth, she described it as “overwhelming but fascinating,” emphasizing how Hannah’s dedication to basketball and cultural identity—embracing both her Puerto Rican and African American roots—has shaped her character.
Hannah Hidalgo has three brothers, El Khana, Zach, and Judah. Her youngest brother, Judah, is also headed towards playing basketball at a high level. Standing at a solid 6’5, he plays under the guidance of his father at Paul VI, and recently represented the Puerto Rico U16 team.
It is easy to improve with so many people pushing you to become better. Hannah Hidalgo had the opportunity to learn from her parents and practice with her siblings. She learnt, she unlearnt, and she never gave up!
Hidalgo’s cultural identity and values, how do they play a role in success?
The Hidalgo household is a vibrant blend of Puerto Rican and African American traditions, where cultural pride is not just celebrated but woven into daily life. Orlando and Tamara have intentionally nurtured an environment where Hannah and her siblings embrace their dual heritage, fostering a deep connection to both lineages.
Their connection to their heritage shows, and is best exemplified, in Hannah and Judah’s decision to play for Puerto Rico instead of USA, in 2022. Playing for the States might give them more opportunities to win, but playing for their home country gives them a brand of patriotism that victory cannot buy.
Hannah’s ambition to inspire young athletes of color also stems from the amount of cultural and value-based education that her parents have given her. She always looks to try to “open doors for kids who look like me.”
Orlando and Tamara have done an excellent job raising their kids. Hannah Hidalgo exemplifies every trait, every lesson that they have tried to instill from day one, and she’s getting better every day! There is no doubt that Hidalgo will go on to have a successful professional career after college, and that is all thanks to the hard work that she and her family have put in over the years.
Hannah Hidalgo is a front-runner for POTY this year, reflecting the athletic legacy of her family. She has many challenges in front of her, but Hannah won’t be alone while facing them.
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