Hannah Hidalgo has captivated the college basketball world with her record-breaking performances and defensive effort. The Notre Dame guard stands at a mere five-foot-six, making her accomplishments even more impressive. Her offensive production is never ending, as the sophomore is averaging 25.9 pts, 5.6 reb, and 3.9 ast per game on over 50% shooting. Hidalgo’s success has drawn eyeballs from across the world, but how does she manage to do it? Well, she leans on the people she trusts.

The former ACC Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year owes a lot of her success to her family and their support. Both her parents were basketball players, and that makes them invaluable supporters for Hidalgo. They know when to say something, and when to let the athlete process their own victories and losses. Her support system is the reason that she has gotten this far, and they are pretty impressive in their own right!

Who is Hannah Hidalgo’s father?

The person who has always been there for Hannah Hidalgo is her father, William Hidalgo. A former college athlete himself, William saw Hannah’s potential early on and became her first coach. He trained her hard in their New Jersey house, emphasizing fundamentals and work ethic. “My dad was tougher on me than anyone,” Hannah said on ESPN. “He was the first one to see what I could become.”

William’s coaching philosophy was rooted in defense and hustle — characteristics that now define Hannah’s game at Notre Dame. He turned their driveway into a training facility, running drills late into the night. His military background (he was in the Marines) injected discipline into Hannah’s routine, from workouts before dawn to film study.

Now, William is her biggest cheerleader in the crowd. His voice still echoes during games, hollering out defensive reminders — a sign of their close bond.  . Their bond goes beyond basketball; he’s her mentor, her protector, her biggest fan.

 Who is Hannah Hidalgo’s mother?

Hannah’s mother, Monique Hidalgo, is the family’s emotional rock. William worked on basketball and Monique kept Hannah grounded.  Her calm demeanor balances William’s intensity. In difficult losses, Monique tells Hannah that “basketball doesn’t define you.” That perspective was helpful for Hannah as she navigated recruitment pressures and injuries. “She’s my safe place,” Hannah said. Off the court, Monique also juggles her daughter’s schedule, from media requests to family time.

Hannah’s roots run through Monique’s Puerto Rican heritage. She brought Hannah up bilingual (Spanish/English) and instilled cultural tradition, like arroz con pollo dinners on Saturdays. This combination of steel and polish is what shaped Hannah into the confident, glamorous star she is today.

What is Hannah Hidalgo’s parents’ nationality?

Hannah’s parents epitomize a diverse cultural background. William’s heritage is Dominican-American, Monique’s is Puerto Rican, which leaves Hannah with dual Caribbean roots. “My house was a lot of Spanish, a lot of merengue music, a lot of loud family fights,” she said in a feature on Notre Dame’s website. This mix is contributing to the devil-may-care grit with which she plays — a combination of Dominican grit and Boricua flair.

William’s side focused on basketball mania (the Dominican Republic worships the game), while Monique’s highlighted academics. Their values united perfectly: “In our family, you work hard on the court and in the classroom,” Hannah said. Her parents were determined that she embrace both cultures, taking her to visit relatives in Puerto Rico and the DR frequently.

This duality is reflected in Hannah’s identity. She repre her home Puerto Rico in FIBA tournaments, but it is her Dominican side that she credits for a relentless defense. “I’m an island girl in my heart for both,” she told Andscape. Notre Dame fans recognize it — her salsa celebrations after steals are a tribute to Monique; her lockdown defense is an homage to William.