"Always played with a chip on her shoulder...I was shocked last year": After UConn upset, Niele Ivey credits Hannah Hidalgo for exceeding expectatio

Hannah Hidalgo led the pack as Notre Dame pulled off an incredible upset on UConn in the Shamrock Classic, winning the game 68-79. She nearly had a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

In the post-game press conference, Niele Ivey, the Notre Dame head coach, was asked if Hidalgo had met the expectations. Beaming with pride, Ivey responded in the affirmative. She said:

"I always knew she was going to be a special player. She always played with a chip on her shoulder. She always wears her heart on her sleeve like you mentioned. Having that passion and that energy and the love and joy of the game. I was shocked last year she did it so fast, she was in the fire last year so I knew right away. I honestly knew in the summertime when we went to foreign tour like she's a big player, big time, big stage player."

She further added, "She's different in such a unique way the way that she plays and she's just stepped in and she's just growing and blossoming and again she's one of the best in the country. But I knew that recruiting her and then when she stepped on the stage it was like yeah she solidified that, right when she stepped on this campus."

Hannah Hidalgo is from Haddonfield, New Jersey, where she attended the Paul VI High School. She was a top-5-rated high school recruit and the highest-rated player to sign with Notre Dame last year.

Even when the two rivals faced off last year, Hidalgo stepped up her game to the next level and led Notre Dame to victory. She had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists to lead all scorers.

What does this win mean for Hidalgo and Notre Dame?

Notre Dame pushed its winning record to 8-2 after beating the No.2 ranked UConn Huskies. They have now beaten three of the top five teams in the early stages of the season. Hannah Hidalgo had a very humble response to this stellar game. She credited God and her teammates for the impressive outing.

Even though Hidalgo can declare for the WNBA draft only in 2027 (the same year as JuJu Watkins' eligibility), her performances have already put her on the radar of WNBA teams. It will be interesting to see who becomes the favorite to be the number 1 pick of the draft that season. While JuJu is currently the frontrunner, Hannah will surely give her a run for her money.

Even Notre Dame legends showed up to support the Irish in such a massive rivalry game. Getting mentorship from such legends will help Hidalgo pave her path to the WNBA.

Notre Dame has three games remaining before the end of the calendar year. This win will help the team gain the confidence to finish the year strong. Their next game against a ranked opponent is in January when they face the University of North Carolina.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam