Ever since Caitlin Clark took the basketball world by storm and forever changed the landscape of women’s basketball, fans and media outlets alike have been eagerly searching for the next breakout star who can replicate her remarkable rise. Clark’s undeniable impact has become the benchmark for success in women’s college basketball, sparking conversations and comparisons across the sport. However, there is an important lesson to be learned: moments like Clark’s rise are not manufactured or predetermined but occur naturally through a perfect blend of talent, charisma, and timing.
Caitlin Clark’s journey to stardom did not rely on media hype or manufactured narratives. Her immense popularity and cultural impact developed organically, stemming from her incredible performances on the court during her time at Iowa. It was Clark’s electrifying skillset—her deep-range shooting, fearless competitiveness, and knack for producing highlight-worthy plays—that captured the imagination of fans across the country. She wasn’t handed the spotlight; she earned it through sheer talent and an ability to dominate the game in ways that fans couldn’t ignore.
This is where the conversation around Clark’s “successor” often misses the mark. Despite the allure of finding the next big name, stardom in women’s basketball cannot simply be transferred to the next promising player. It is not a role that can be assigned in advance. While players like UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s JuJu Watkins undoubtedly possess incredible skill and talent, the next figure to capture the hearts of fans will emerge naturally, not through preordained media storylines or fan projections.
Enter Hannah Hidalgo, a rising star who is making a compelling case to be the most electrifying player in college basketball this season. The Notre Dame guard has taken the court by storm, delivering performances that demand attention while simultaneously challenging the narrative surrounding who will take center stage in women’s hoops. Hidalgo’s play is not only dominant but also entertaining in a way that mirrors the qualities that made Clark such a beloved figure in the sport.
Hidalgo’s ascent to prominence has been fueled by her dynamic and captivating style of play. Whether she is attacking the basket with relentless aggression, orchestrating fast-paced offensive plays, or locking down opponents with tenacious defense, Hidalgo plays with an energy that is simply infectious. Watching her on the floor feels like witnessing a force of nature, as she combines skill, athleticism, and flair to deliver jaw-dropping moments that stick with fans long after the final buzzer.
The statistics back up the excitement surrounding Hidalgo’s game. She currently averages an impressive 25.2 points per game, showcasing her scoring prowess and ability to lead her team offensively. However, Hidalgo’s impact extends far beyond her scoring totals. Her well-rounded contributions include 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, making her one of the most complete players in the country. What truly sets Hidalgo apart, though, is her defensive dominance. Leading the NCAA in steals with 46, Hidalgo has proven to be just as impactful on the defensive end as she is on offense, creating turnovers and sparking transition opportunities for her team.
It’s not just the numbers that make Hidalgo such a compelling player—it’s the way she plays the game. Much like Clark before her, Hidalgo has an ability to make the extraordinary look effortless. Whether she’s weaving through defenders with dazzling ball-handling skills or sinking a clutch shot in a high-pressure moment, Hidalgo’s performances are must-see television. Her style of play is defined by a level of intensity and charisma that draws fans in and leaves them eager to see what she will do next.
In many ways, Hidalgo’s breakout season represents a new chapter in women’s college basketball. With players like Bueckers and Watkins also in the spotlight, the sport is enjoying a wealth of young talent that promises to keep fans engaged for years to come. Yet, Hidalgo’s rise feels particularly significant because of the parallels it draws to Clark’s journey. Like Clark, Hidalgo is proving that success in women’s basketball is about more than just raw talent—it’s about the ability to captivate audiences, deliver unforgettable performances, and play the game with a unique sense of joy and passion.
It is also worth noting that Hidalgo’s emergence highlights the changing dynamics of women’s basketball. In recent years, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, fueled in large part by players like Clark who have elevated the level of play and brought unprecedented attention to the game. As a result, there is now a greater appetite among fans and media to discover the next star who can carry the torch and continue to grow the sport. However, Hidalgo’s rise serves as a reminder that these moments cannot be forced or manufactured. They happen naturally when a player’s talent, personality, and performance align in a way that resonates with fans.
For Notre Dame, Hidalgo’s success has been a game-changer. Her performances have elevated the team’s profile and positioned them as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball. More importantly, Hidalgo’s leadership and competitive spirit have set the tone for her teammates, inspiring them to rise to the occasion and embrace the spotlight alongside her. Much like Clark did for Iowa, Hidalgo is proving that one player’s impact can elevate an entire program and bring it to new heights.
While comparisons to Caitlin Clark are inevitable, it is important to appreciate Hidalgo’s rise on its own terms. She is not simply the “next Caitlin Clark”—she is Hannah Hidalgo, a player with her own identity, style, and story. Just as Clark carved out her own path to stardom, Hidalgo is doing the same, and her journey is no less exciting or deserving of attention. Instead of searching for the next version of an established star, fans should celebrate the diversity of talent that is currently thriving in women’s basketball and embrace the unique qualities that each player brings to the game.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Hidalgo continues to build on her already impressive start. Her combination of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and sheer entertainment value makes her a frontrunner for National Player of the Year and a player to watch in every game she plays. Whether she is leading Notre Dame to victory, putting up eye-popping numbers, or delivering another highlight-reel performance, Hidalgo is proving that she belongs in the conversation as one of the most exciting players in the sport.
Ultimately, the rise of players like Hannah Hidalgo, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins is a testament to the incredible talent pool in women’s basketball today. Each of these players brings something unique to the table, and their success is helping to usher in a new era for the sport. While Caitlin Clark may have set the stage with her groundbreaking performances, the future of women’s basketball is being shaped by a new generation of stars who are ready to leave their mark.
Hidalgo’s journey is a reminder that stardom in women’s basketball is not about chasing comparisons or living up to someone else’s legacy. It is about embracing one’s own identity, playing the game with passion, and creating moments that resonate with fans. As she continues to shine on the court, Hannah Hidalgo is proving that she is not just the “next” anything—she is a star in her own right, and the basketball world is better for it.
