SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame point guard Hannah Hidalgo expects even more in her second college season than she did in her first.

Yes, more than first-team All-American honors, more than a Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament, even more than being named the best point guard in Division I women’s basketball.

It is his relentless pursuit of perfection, regardless of circumstances, that sets Hidalgo apart.

“The most important thing is to be a great teammate. I can definitely be better at that and not be so focused on myself and my own goals,” she said after Wednesday’s 101-41 exhibition win over Davenport. “With that year under my belt, I feel much more comfortable. I’m just that vocal leader of the team. “I try to bring that energy.”

Hidalgo is also still pretty good on the court. The preseason All-American finished that game with 31 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the No. 6 Irish in preparation for Monday night’s season opener against Division I newcomer Mercyhurst.

Although she made 10 of 13 shots and all 10 of her free throws, the 5-foot-6 sophomore from New Jersey shook her head in disdain when she read the stat line from 3-point range: 1-for-4.

That’s how she is.

“She’s never been a complacent player,” Notre Dame coach Nielle Ivey said. “That’s why she’s always trying to find ways to improve.”

It won’t be easy to improve on a 28-7 record, a 22.6 scoring average or lead the nation in steals (4.6 per game).

He burst onto the national scene with a 31-point game in a 100-71 loss to eventual national champion South Carolina.

Hidalgo also scored 34 points in an 82-67 win at UConn and joined Caitlin Clark as one of four Power 4 players who averaged 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game last season. She won the Dawn Staley Award, the honor named after the Gamecocks coach and given to the nation’s top guard.

With stars like Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA, Hidalgo could emerge as a leader of the next big wave of women’s basketball stars. Taking the next step means Hidalgo wants to get stronger by going to his left, finishing through contact and expanding his shooting range.

Orlando Hidalgo, Hannah’s father and high school coach, said Hannah had a personal improvement checklist this summer for one reason: to bring a third national championship banner to South Bend, Indiana.

“It’s not about winning ACC Player of the Year or leading the NCAA in steals, she just wants to play hard,” he said. “What she wants is an NCAA championship.”

Orlando saw that fire at a young age, when he competed fiercely with his four older brothers. It emerged when I was 5 years old, when I was playing in a youth basketball league in which some girls participated.

“She was the MVP,” he said. “Many children feared her because she was very aggressive. She went for the ball, even then she was an intense and firm defender. It’s rare to see someone put in the same effort on offense and the same effort on defense. Michael Jordan was a two-way player. He was a killer in attack and defense. Hannah studies the game and works hard. “She doesn’t take time off, she doesn’t retire from the plays.”

It’s a trait that hasn’t wavered as he’s gotten older, either.

In addition to countless film study sessions with Ivey, Hidalgo is trying to become a more vocal leader behind the scenes. Teammate Cassandre Prosper says Hannah is always present at games and practices, even if she’s not playing.

“She was yelling, coaching and bringing energy to the players in the drill. She’s standing there during the exercise, focused and engaged,” Prosper said. “I think people will see a different side of Hannah this season. You will see her leading her teammates to the top of the mountain. “You realize that if we want to get to that championship, everyone has to get involved and everyone has to play the best they can.”

Hidalgo sought advice from former Notre Dame star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd. She currently plays for the Seattle Storm, who won WNBA titles in 2018 and 2020.

“Jewell was talking to me about preserving my body, which is something I’ve also been working on,” Hidalgo said. “The game is pretty rigorous, so taking care of my body and making sure while I’m getting hit, I’m not constantly falling. It prevents injuries.”

But in the end, Hidalgo’s improvement comes down to one thing.

“I think I’m my own harshest critic,” Hidalgo said. “Honestly, Coach Ivey and I are always watching film and I always think I could do better.”