Caitlin Clark is one name that stands above the rest when you think of women’s basketball. She has become a household name thanks to her dominance on the court. Many young athletes look up to her as the epitome of success in the sport. Yet there is a rising star in the world of college basketball who is making waves. Also declared her place among the greats even before she was drafted into the WNBA. It’s not just a dream to her. She’s moving in a way to ensure she is in the same conversation as A’ja Wilson and Brittney Griner.
In a recent interview with basketball host Rachel DeMita, Notre Dame’s sophomore Hannah Hidalgo was asked to name her top five WNBA players. Next came something unexpected, but telling. “I say BG, Brittney (Griner). I’m going to go Sky(lar Diggins-Smith), A’ja (Wilson), K-Mac (Kayla McBride),” she began.
As she struggled to settle on a fifth player, she threw out a surprising suggestion: “Can I put me? Can I go me at the two?” With approval granted, she confidently slotted herself into the lineup.
Credits: Imagn
With her 5’6″ frame, it’s not often that you see a player as young as her dream of being among the best in the WNBA. Also, it’s not often that you hear a player of her caliber make a statement like that. And it’s not hard to understand why she is so confident in saying it.
Nevertheless, her confidence isn’t misplaced. This young athlete is already proving herself with her performance on the court. Averaging a remarkable 25.9 points per game, she currently ranks second in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, just behind Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson.
Plus, she nudges towards breaking her own Notre Dame single season scoring record. Hidalgo averaged 22.6 in her freshman year and is now at 25.9 as a sophomore. Her numbers are impressive and they tell a story of a player who is destined for greatness.
While she still has a couple of years before she becomes eligible for the WNBA Draft, it’s obvious that she’s already ready for the highest level of competition. Her play has earned her comparisons to Caitlin Clark. With some even suggesting that her achievements might soon rival those of the Iowa star.
Hannah Hidalgo, new challenger for Caitlin Clark?
Scoring has been at the core of Hannah Hidalgo’s impressive season. In the 2024-25 season with 25.9 points per game, she hounds Ta’Niya Latson on 26.0. Given Caitlin Clark’s seemingly ironclad position as the 32.0 PPG scorer in the senior class, this figure is no small feat.
And it’s not just the points that have caught attention—this young player is also breaking records. In her first 12 games as a sophomore, she scored 310 points. Surpassing Caitlin Clark’s 303 points over the same period during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Mar 3, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
In the podcast with DeMita Hidalgo also spoke about the idea of one day playing alongside Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. “Oh, absolutely. Caitlin is a phenomenal player,” she shared. “I’m a big fan of hers, and so to be able to team up with her, who changed the game tremendously, and how she is still changing the game. Honestly, it will be something that is so great to kind of team up alongside her.” Her respect for Clark is palpable, and it’s clear she sees playing with her as an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.
Nevertheless, whether it’s together or apart. It’s clear that players like Hannah Hidalgo will continue to shape the future of women’s basketball. With their incredible talent and drive inspiring fans for years to come.
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