CHARLOTTE, N.C. – notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo has achieved a remarkable feat, claiming both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards for the 2024-25 season. This declaration, made today, underscores Hidalgo’s outstanding performance throughout the season. The sophomore guard from Merchantville, New Jersey, now stands among an elite group of ACC players who have won both awards in the same year. Duke’s toby Fournier was named ACC Rookie of the Year, while NC State’s Wes Moore secured ACC coach of the Year honors for the third time in his distinguished career.

hidalgo’s exceptional play was recognized by the league’s head coaches and a Blue Ribbon Panel, who together selected the All-ACC Team and individual award winners. Her stellar performance has not only elevated Notre Dame’s standing in the conference but has also cemented her place among the ACC’s all-time greats.The ACC, known for its competitive women’s basketball programs, has seen few players achieve such a dominant double victory.

Hidalgo Joins Exclusive Company

Hannah Hidalgo’s achievement places her alongside Duke’s Lindsay Harding (2007) and Virginia’s Monica Wright (2010) as the only players in ACC history to win both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.Furthermore, she is the first player since Duke’s Elizabeth Williams (2012-2015) to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons. This accomplishment highlights her consistent defensive prowess and her ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout her college career.

Her statistics provide compelling evidence of her impact on the court. Hidalgo ranks third nationally in scoring, averaging 24.2 points per game, and fourth in steals, with 3.7 per contest. She concluded the regular season with an remarkable 100 steals, a staggering 29 more than any other player in the ACC.hidalgo was also named ACC player of the Week four times this season, demonstrating her consistency and excellence. Her ability to consistently perform at a high level has made her a formidable opponent for any team in the conference.

Hidalgo’s offensive prowess is further highlighted by her four 30-point games and 21 20-point performances throughout the year.she is also the first-ever Notre Dame player to win ACC Player of the Year and only the fourth sophomore to achieve this honor. This combination of offensive and defensive skills sets her apart from many other players in the league and makes her a valuable asset to the Notre Dame team.

Other ACC Award Winners

While Hidalgo’s accolades take center stage, other deserving players and coaches were also recognized for thier contributions to the 2024-25 ACC Women’s Basketball season. Their achievements underscore the depth of talent and coaching expertise within the conference.

Toby Fournier: ACC Rookie of the year

Duke’s Toby Fournier was named ACC Rookie of the Year, becoming the first blue Devil since Elizabeth Williams in 2012 to receive the honor. The Toronto, Ontario, native impressed with nine 20-point performances during the regular season, the most among all ACC freshmen. Fournier also earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors six times and leads Duke with 14.1 points per game, shooting 55.0 percent from the field. In her last three games, Fournier averaged 23.0 points per game, demonstrating her potential for future growth. Fournier’s quick adaptation to the college game and her consistent scoring ability have made her a key player for the Blue Devils.

Dani Carnegie: ACC Sixth Player of the Year

Georgia Tech’s Dani Carnegie secured the ACC Sixth Player of the Year award, following in the footsteps of Duke’s Oluchi Okananwa, who won the award last season. The Mount Vernon,New York,native is the first Georgia Tech player to claim the honor as Zaire O’Neil in 2018. Coming off the bench in 26 games, Carnegie averaged 13.1 points per game and shot just under 40 percent (39.9) from the field. Her 58 3-pointers this season rank her 10th in the ACC with 2.23 triples per game.Carnegie was named ACC Rookie of the Week five times, including a four-week streak from December 16 to January 6. Carnegie’s ability to provide instant offense off the bench has been a significant boost for Georgia Tech.

Zoe Brooks: ACC Most Improved Player

NC State’s Zoe Brooks was named the ACC most Improved player. Brooks enters the postseason averaging 14.5 points per game for the Wolfpack, a significant increase from her previous season average of 9.0. In ACC play, the Plainfield, New jersey, native averaged 15.8 points and 4.4 assists per game, shooting 46.9 percent from the field. A highlight of Brooks’ season was her 33-point, 10-rebound performance in a double-overtime win over top-ranked Notre Dame on February 23. Brooks’s development into a more consistent and impactful player has been crucial for NC State’s success.

Wes Moore: ACC Coach of the Year

NC State head coach Wes Moore earned ACC Coach of the Year honors for the third time in his career. He joins an esteemed group of coaches who have achieved this feat, including Debbie Ryan (Virginia), Gail goestenkors (Duke), Sylvia Hatchell (North Carolina), Sue Semrau (Florida state), and Joanne P. McCallie (Duke). Moore led NC State to a 24-5 overall record and a 16-2 conference mark,securing a share of the ACC Women’s Basketball Regular Season championship and the no. 1 seed in the 2025 Ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.This marks the seventh time in program history that NC State will be the No.1 seed. Moore is currently the ACC’s active leader in victories with 855 career wins.Moore’s leadership and strategic acumen have consistently positioned NC State as a top contender in the ACC.

Looking Ahead to the ACC Tournament

The 2024-25 season continues with the first round of the 2025 ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 5, at the first Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. all games will be broadcast on ACC Network. The tournament provides an possibility for teams to compete for the conference championship and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

ACC Network will provide exclusive coverage of the tournament, including on-site studio analysis.The first seven games will be featured on ACCN. The quarterfinal round on Friday, March 7, will be split between ESPN2 and ACCN, with the 11 a.m. ET and 5 p.m.ET tipoffs on ESPN2, and the 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET starts on ACCN.

The semifinals on saturday, March 8, will air on ESPN2 beginning at noon ET and concluding at 2:30 p.m. ET. The championship game on Sunday, March 9, will be broadcast on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET. The tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and competition, with several teams vying for the coveted ACC title.

Did you know that only three other players in ACC history have achieved the remarkable feat of winning both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season? Hannah Hidalgo’s accomplishment is a testament to exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, reshaping the landscape of women’s college basketball.

To gain further insight into the significance of Hannah Hidalgo’s achievement, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned sports analyst and author of “The Evolution of Women’s College Basketball.”

Interviewer: Dr. Carter, Hannah Hidalgo’s dual ACC awards are undeniably impressive.Can you put this achievement into the

Hannah Hidalgo’s Historic ACC Sweep: A Game-Changer for Women’s College Basketball?

Only three other players in ACC history have achieved the remarkable feat of winning both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Is Hannah Hidalgo’s accomplishment a sign of a changing tide in women’s college basketball?

Interviewer: Dr. Carter, Hannah Hidalgo’s dual ACC awards are undeniably notable. Can you put this achievement into context,considering the history of women’s college basketball and the competitive landscape of the ACC?

Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Hannah Hidalgo’s achievement is truly exceptional. Too understand its importance, we need to consider the historical context of the ACC, a consistently strong conference known for its high level of athleticism and strategic coaching. The fact that only a handful of players have ever achieved this double win—Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season—highlights just how remarkable Hidalgo’s accomplishment is. It speaks volumes about her complete skillset: her offensive prowess, scoring ability, and her exceptional defensive talents. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about consistency, leadership, and the ability to dominate on both ends of the court.

Interviewer: Hidalgo’s statistics are staggering. How does her performance compare to other elite women’s college basketball players throughout history? What are the key attributes that make her so exceptional?

Dr. Carter: Hidalgo’s statistics are extraordinary and place her firmly among the greats. Her scoring average, coupled with her remarkable steal numbers, showcases a player who profoundly impacts the game’s outcome. Think about the impact that having such an impactful scorer and defender has on offensive and defensive strategies. Teams have to choose between focusing on stopping her scoring or trying to limit her influence on defense – and that leaves other opportunities wide open for her teammates. Moreover, her leadership qualities are essential. Being named a Player of the Week multiple times demonstrates a level of consistent excellence beyond individual skill.The ability to maintain a high performance level throughout a grueling season emphasizes her mental fortitude and commitment and is a key indicator of success in collegiate athletics.

Interviewer: what does Hidalgo’s success mean for the future of women’s college basketball, especially for young aspiring players? What message does her story send?

Dr. Carter: hidalgo’s success provides incredible inspiration for young female athletes. Her story demonstrates the power of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She’s a role model,not just for her accomplishments but for the way she has achieved them. Her journey underscores that it’s possible to excel in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game, a message that resonates strongly across many athletic pursuits. We’re witnessing a significant shift in the perception of women’s basketball, with players increasingly showcasing well-rounded abilities and strategic approaches to the game

Interviewer: Beyond Hidalgo’s individual accolades, what are some broader implications of her success for Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program and the ACC conference as a whole?

Dr.Carter: Hidalgo’s impact reverberates through Notre Dame’s program and the ACC. Her success elevates the profile of Notre Dame women’s basketball, attracting greater attention from media and fans. For the ACC, her dominance showcases the high level of talent within the conference.This heightens the conference’s overall reputation and prestige, making it even more competitive and attractive for talented recruits. It’s a win-win situation for both the university and the conference.

Interviewer: What aspects of Hidalgo’s game or character do you believe have most contributed to her unprecedented success? what advice would you offer aspiring college basketball players?

Dr. Carter: Hidalgo’s combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and unwavering work ethic is undeniably a key factor in her success. she is a complete player—a dominant scorer, an exceptional defender, and a passionate team player. Her mental strength is as crucial as her physical abilities. For aspiring college basketball players, I would emphasize the importance of consistent effort, holistic development (focusing equally on offensive and defensive capabilities), and the value of teamwork. Remember to build a strong support system, stay mentally resilient amid competitive pressures, and continuously strive for self-enhancement. hidalgo’s journey exemplifies that these qualities are as vital as innate talent for achieving sustained success.

Final Thoughts: Hannah Hidalgo’s remarkable achievement is more than just winning awards. It signifies a turning point in women’s college basketball, demonstrating the potential for complete dominance and inspiring a new generation of athletes. Her story reminds us that hard work and dedication can indeed elevate you to the top echelons of your sport. share your thoughts on Hannah Hidalgo’s success in the comments below. What does her achievement mean to you?