Hannah Hidalgo Named ACC Preseason Player of the Year

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced its 2025-26 preseason awards on Tuesday, with Notre Dame‘s Hannah Hidalgo claiming the prestigious title of ACC Preseason Player of the Year. The announcement was made by the league’s coaches and media.

Hidalgo, a two-time AP First Team All-American, heads into her junior season following an impressive sophomore year. She averaged 23.8 points per game, surpassing her own record from her freshman season, where she averaged 22.6 points per game. Her performance has established her as a contender for the league’s top honor with exceptional statistics, becoming the only player to average at least 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 steals while shooting at least .400 from three-point range and .850 from the free throw line in NCAA Division I history since 2000.

Joining Hidalgo in the spotlight, freshman Leah Macy was named to the ACC Newcomer Watch List. Hailing from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Macy is making waves as a highly touted recruit. She was ranked No. 19 overall and the fourth-best forward in the Class of 2025 by ESPN. Additionally, she has earned accolades as a McDonald’s All-American and a four-time all-state first-team selection during her time at Bethlehem High School, where she averaged 27 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8 assists per game as a senior.

In the ACC preseason poll, Notre Dame was selected to finish fifth. The Fighting Irish will kick off their season on October 30 with an exhibition match against Purdue Northwest at 7 p.m. in Purcell Pavilion, followed by their home opener against Fairleigh Dickinson on November 5 at 7 p.m.