24.2 points per game—the fourth highest in the NCAAW. That’s who Hannah Hidalgo is. A five-star recruit with a 97 rating, ranked as the fifth-best high school player in the class of 2023. Now at Notre Dame, she’s not just meeting expectations—she’s rewriting them. After a freshman season where she claimed ACC Defensive Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, it’s clear that Hidalgo isn’t just playing the game—she’s controlling it. But behind her on-court dominance lies a story of cultural pride, family influence, and unwavering faith.

What is Hannah Hidalgo’s ethnicity?

Hannah Hidalgo’s roots trace back to Puerto Rico. Her father, Orlando Hidalgo, lived in both the United States and Puerto Rico while growing up, and her mother, Tamara Williams-Hidalgo, is African American. Hidalgo proudly embraces her dual heritage. She loves Puerto Rican food, especially pasteles and red beans and rice, and counts Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny among her favorite artists. “Their music is always a vibe,” Hidalgo said according to a podcast on sportspectrum.com.

Still, growing up, Orlando didn’t share much about his Puerto Rican background with Hannah and her five siblings. “It was not something that was shown when I was young,” Hidalgo said. “My dad didn’t teach us a lot about his life until we got older, then he told us a little more, but my dad doesn’t talk too much about that side.”

Despite this, the Hidalgo household has always celebrated a vibrant blend of Puerto Rican and African American traditions. Orlando and Tamara ensured that their children grew up with a strong sense of identity and cultural pride. That connection to her heritage was on full display in 2022 when Hannah’s younger brother Judah Ezekiel Hidalgo chose to represent Puerto Rico in FIBA U16 Americas Championship. For the Hidalgos, playing for Puerto Rico wasn’t just about basketball—it was about representing where they came from.

Hidalgo’s ambition extends beyond personal success. She wants to pave the way for young athletes of color. “I’m trying to open doors for kids who look like me,” she said earlier in December of 2024. Her success on the court is proof that those doors are already starting to open.

What is Hannah Hidalgo’s nationality? Where was she born?

Hannah Hidalgo was is an American who was born and raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey, where basketball was a family affair. Her father, Orlando, played at the collegiate level and later became a coach. He served as Hannah’s coach at Paul VI High School, where she became a force. Averaging 28.8 points, 7.3 steals, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game as a senior, Hidalgo led her team to the South Jersey Non-Public A final and became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,135 points.

Orlando’s influence on Hannah’s game is undeniable. He had her playing in boys’ leagues at six years old, where she learned the importance of defense and toughness. That early training paid off—Hidalgo became the second player in ACC history to win both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.

Orlando’s coaching résumé extends beyond his daughter. He has trained NBA talent, including Cam Reddish, and coached elite AAU programs like Team Final and Philly Triple Threat. Hannah’s younger brother, Judah, is following in those footsteps. At 6’5”, Judah plays under Orlando at Paul VI and recently represented Puerto Rico’s U16 team.

Hannah’s mother, Tamara, also played basketball at a high level. Now an assistant chief probation officer, she remains one of Hannah’s biggest supporters, regularly sharing her daughter’s accomplishments on social media.

Basketball is in Hidalgo’s blood—but so is the drive to give back. In 2023, she was named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year after leading the U.S. to gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup, where she averaged 10.7 points, 5.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 steals per game. Before that, she helped the U.S. win gold at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup in Hungary.

What religion does Hannah Hidalgo follow?

Faith is central to Hidalgo’s life. Her X bio reads: “GODND PVI’23. All Glory To God from where all Blessings come from! John 3:16.” That verse is a cornerstone of Christianity, reflecting her belief that God’s love and sacrifice are the foundation of her life.

In December, Hidalgo spoke about her faith on the Sports Spectrum Podcast: “Christ is my everything. I mean, He’s my Lord and Savior. He’s the reason that I fight, the reason that I do everything, the reason that I’m able to do what I do. He’s just everything in my life, and I wouldn’t be able to do anything without Him.”

Hidalgo’s decision to commit to Notre Dame wasn’t just about basketball—it was about finding a program where faith and family values aligned. “God has been good to me,” she said. That foundation of faith has kept her grounded, even as her star rises.

Hidalgo’s rapid ascent is the product of talent, hard work, and a deep sense of identity. Her father’s coaching shaped her game. Her mother’s support shaped her confidence. Her dual heritage shaped her perspective. And her faith shaped her purpose.

At just 19 years old, Hannah Hidalgo is already one of the biggest names in college basketball. But her story goes beyond the stats. It’s about where she comes from—and the path she’s paving for those who come next.