On the October 28th, 2024 edition of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union’s Irish Football Fix, host Angelo Di Carlo spoke in depth with Notre Dame women’s basketball All American Hannah Hidalgo about her faith.

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Moments after Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish women’s basketball team into the Sweet 16 last season, she walked onto the podium for the postgame press conference.  She was asked, “what pushes you?”

“Jesus Christ,” Hidalgo answered.

On one of the biggest stages, Hidalgo went out of her way to put her faith front and center.

Hidalgo burst onto the scene as a freshman, leading the nation in steals while averaging 22.6 points per game and earning All American honors. She’s a preseason pick to be an All American again this year as the Irish have very high hopes for the upcoming season.

Hidalgo has a deep faith that started thanks to her parents but enhanced greatly when she had time during the pandemic to dive into the Bible. She’s intentional about prayer as a college student and makes time to pray whenever she can, including before games. She has a special bond with Irish head coach Niele Ivey. The two even go to Church together.

“We’re talking about Christ on my visit,” Hidalgo says of her relationship with Ivey. “When I’m able to do that and I feel comfortable in my faith and being able to talk to people that are here–all the people on the coaching staff, they come to Church—and we’re able to talk about Christ. It means a lot to be able to have that connection because it’s different from a basketball connection–a spiritual connection is so deep to me. To have that connection with Coach Ivey and the rest of the coaching staff means a lot.”

Hannah also discusses the upcoming season and being able to team up with Olivia Miles in the backcourt with Miles returning this season from injury.

“It’s going to be scary, honestly,” Hidalgo says. “She’s such a great point guard. The way she’s able to see the floor, the way she’s able to push the ball in transition. It’s going to be exciting.”

Notre Dame opens the regular season Monday at 5pm at home against Mercyhurst.