Pennsauken’s Hannah Hidalgo, a talented 18-year-old basketball player hailing from the Bloomfield section of town, is making waves in the world of basketball. Having started playing the sport at the tender age of four, her passion for the game has only grown stronger over the years. Now, the senior at Paul VI is on the cusp of embarking on an exciting journey at the University of Notre Dame.

Hidalgo’s basketball journey began to gain momentum after her sophomore summer, where her skills began to catch the attention of scouts and coaches alike. The University of Notre Dame, in particular, had been recruiting her for quite some time, and they eventually offered her a full-ride scholarship.

“What really caught my attention was the family environment, how close the players were to each other and how close the coaches were to the players,” said Hannah. “Being far away from home, that was important to me.”

Hannah has made a name for herself as a dynamic point guard, showcasing her skills on both ends of the court. Her exceptional performance on the basketball court earned her the prestigious honor of being named a McDonald’s All-American. Not only did she participate in the game, which was held at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX, and showcases the most highly recruited high schoolers in the U.S., but she also was named most valuable player.

“It was one of the funnest experiences of my career,” explained Hidalgo. “It was such a great environment, playing with some of the best girls in the country.”

Hidalgo’s relentless work ethic and determination are evident in the countless hours she spends in the gym, perfecting her skills. She draws inspiration from basketball star Skylar Diggins and dedicates an average of three hours a day to both on-court training and lifting weights. For Hidalgo, there is no offseason, as she constantly seeks to improve and elevate her game.

As she looks ahead to her college basketball career with the Fighting Irish, Hidalgo is filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. She acknowledges that the college game is vastly different from high school, but she eagerly embraces the challenge. Her main goal is to make it all the way to the WNBA, but she understands the importance of patience and hard work in achieving that dream.

“I’m going to bring a different level of competitiveness and energy,” said Hannah. “I’ve got that dog in me.”