Hannah Hidalgo is fueled by the fans
Hidalgo scored 25 points on March 7th against the California Golden Bears.
© Lance King/Getty Images
THE RED BULLETIN—What was it like growing up in Merchantville, New Jersey?
I feel like that growing up in Jersey—close to Philly and New York City—helped to give me that grit that I have now. Growing up with four brothers and one sister and my parents, and having basketball as our foundation, also God, is how we get to where I’m at today. It’s more like a town, and I like a more chill laid-back lifestyle. I don’t like too much noise—it’s not my cup of tea.
As someone who plays point guard, what does your coach look for from you?
The point guard is like the most important role on the court, in my opinion. There’s a lot that goes into it and the coach really looks at you to be the leader. You’ve got to be the voice of the team.You have to know everybody’s position [on the court], know your own position, call out the plays, and still be able to play your game.
How would you describe your style on the court?
I’m that fast, energetic, gritty type of player. I feel like I bring the energy out. Do the dirt. I’ll get a steal. I’ll dive on the floor. I’m cheering for all my teammates. I’m yelling. I’m clapping. I’m trying to get the fans hyped.
Hannah Hidalgo #3 against Kayla Williams on March 7, 2025
© Lance King/Getty Images
"I’m that fast, energetic, gritty type of player," says Hidalgo.
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool
When you’re on the court, do you switch into a different mindset to tap into that gritty persona?
Oh, for sure. I’ve gotten that so many times, how different I am on the court compared to off the court. It looks like I'm mad when I’m playing, but off the court I’m more chill, singing, laughing, playing around, stuff like that. It’s two completely different characters.
How do you tap into that that gritty mode during a game?
It’s a mindset. My style in the locker room—I’m quiet, I’m praying. I’m a faith-based person, so I’m getting in my mind set. I’m talking to God before games. When I get on the court, I’m just trying to be loose; I don’t want to be uptight. I’m talking to my coach, my teammates and we’re laughing and loose, because if I go into a game tight, then I’m going to play tight.
Are you inspired by other guards in the NBA, WNBA, or NCAA?
‘I’ve always watched Aari McDonald [from the L.A. Sparks], and her run during the NCAA tournament, which was phenomenal. She’s a smaller guard and was able to compete against girls who were 6’4” and still take her team all the way to a national championship. Growing up, I was always told that since I was smaller, that I wouldn’t make it, so seeing guards like [McDonald] make it all the way to the league is just inspiring. I’ve always [followed] smaller guards, like Kyrie [Irving] and Steve Knight. Caitlin [Clark]—her game speaks for itself and she’s such a phenomenal player, but she’s also able to deal with the outside noise; something that I have to figure out how to do.
When did you fall in love with basketball?
I started playing when I was four or five years old. It was inevitable for me to play the game—my mom and dad coach, my mother referees, all my brothers played. My sister married a basketball player. It was in the family’s foundation—I had to play it. At first, I didn’t like it at all; I just wanted to play with my brothers growing up. But I kept playing, going to camps, and I ended up finding a love for it.
I’m that fast, energetic, gritty type of player. I’ll get a steal. I’ll drive on the floor.
What do you like about the sport?
The fans give me and my teammates so much energy. When a three goes in and to hear how excited the fans get really fuels me.
It’s game day. What do you eat before a game?
When I wake up on game day, breakfast is light, and I’m the first one on the court. I’ll go shoot with my coach and put my uniform on. Then we have a team lunch right after. Pineapple, strawberry and honey, is what I eat before every single game.
You won the Dawn Staley award in 2024. Are there any other achievements that you’re proud of?
I have two. One is ACC MVP. Being able to achieve that, as a freshman, was truly a blessing. Not only winning the championship, but also receiving MVP was big. Also, USA player of the year— receiving that award out of all the phenomenal athletes was a blessing.
How do you feel about this wave of popularity and new fandom for the WNBA?
I remember being in the fifth grade, and seeing comments about how women shouldn’t be playing basketball, they should be in the kitchen and other stuff. And now to hear people say, “I don’t know anybody in the NBA draft, but I can name 20 girls from the WNBA draft.” Seeing the narrative of women’s basketball shift and to be a part of that is truly a blessing. Now we’re that inspiration for the next generation. Being able to get the recognition and make the money that we deserve off our name finally is fantastic. It’s only up from here.
"The fans give me and my teammates so much energy."
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool
Basketball runs deep in the Hidalgo family.
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool
What are your hobbies outside of basketball?
When I go back home, I go bowling with my family, sometimes twice a week. But the look isn’t for me at all. Especially not the shoes, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Shoes and basketball have their own unique relationship. Are into sneaker culture?
Oh, of course. I want to have my own shoe. I want to make sure my shoes are fire. I think Kobe’s are dope. They’re the most comfortable to play in and one of the most stylish—those are number one on my list.
Favorite basketball movie?
Love & Basketball is an iconic one, but I also but also Space Jam with [Michael] Jordan, not LeBron so much. Space Jam was my number one, for sure.
Do you have any fitness goals to improve your performance?
I want to get stronger. When I get back to Indiana, I want to focus on my nutrition. Being young, I often think that I can eat whatever and then burn it off next practice, but now I want to focus on what I put inside my body to make sure that I’m healthy inside and out.
What advice would you give to young people excited to get into basketball?
The two of the most important things are hard work and being confident. You have to constantly be in the gym. Growing up, I was always told, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” I might have a talent, but if I don’t put the work in, then other people who do work hard will surpass me. And there’s always somebody in the gym who is working. I don’t want anyone to outwork me, so I need to be working on my craft and improving. There’s always something to work on, whether that’s shooting or ball handling—get in the gym and work on it. And, being confident. Growing up, I wasn’t the most confident in my game, especially with how short I am. So going out and playing with the confidence, knowing that you’re the best on the floor will make the game so much easier. You’ll have more fun—the game of basketball is supposed to be fun. So just go out there, have fun and have confidence in your game.
