Notre Dame Guard Hannah Hidalgo Sets NCAA Record with 16 Steals and 44 Points
Notre Dame junior guard Hannah Hidalgo delivered a historic performance on November 12, 2025, recording an NCAA‑record 16 steals while also posting a school‑record 44 points in the Fighting Irish’s 84‑71 victory over their opponents in South Bend, Indiana.
The feat came during the opening game of the 2025‑26 season, a matchup that attracted national attention as the 18th‑ranked Fighting Irish faced a non‑conference rival. Hidalgo’s aggressive defense disrupted the opposition’s offense, leading to fast‑break opportunities that contributed to the team’s comfortable margin. Her scoring outburst, highlighted by a combination of perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket, marked the highest point total ever recorded by a Notre Dame women’s basketball player.
Analysts noted that Hidalgo’s performance reflects a broader trend of increased defensive intensity in women’s college basketball, with teams emphasizing turnovers as a catalyst for scoring. “The ability to create that many turnovers while also being a primary scoring option is exceptionally rare,” said a generic basketball analyst. The record also underscores the depth of talent in the Fighting Irish program, which has consistently produced NBA and WNBA prospects.
Following the game, Notre Dame’s head coach offered a measured commendation, stating that the team’s execution of the game plan was exemplary and that Hidalgo’s effort exemplified the hard‑working ethos the program strives to instill. University officials highlighted the achievement during a press briefing, indicating that the performance would be celebrated during upcoming home games and used as a recruiting showcase.
Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish aim to build on the momentum generated by Hidalgo’s performance as they prepare for conference play. While the record‑setting night is unlikely to be replicated frequently, it sets a high bar for both individual and team aspirations this season, and it positions Notre Dame as a contender in the national rankings.
