Notre Dame superstar Hannah Hidalgo is coming off of an impressive sophomore season, leading her team to what will shape up to be an incredible March Madness season (we’re calling it!).
From the highs and lows this season, Notre Dame has emerged as one of the suspected frontrunners to take it all, led by Hidalgo, her contributing teammates, and Coach Niele Ivey at the helm.
As the Fighting Irish gear up for March Madness, PS sat down with Hannah Hidalgo to find out how she prepares for women’s college basketball’s biggest moment – mentally and physically. From her playlist to her fitness routine, we learn what A-game she’s bringing on and off the court.
PS: What has your daily routine looked like leading up to March Madness?
Hannah Hidalgo: I think it’s important to reset. I just had a couple of days off being back with my family, being away from basketball, being away from, you know, all the rah-rah, and everything that’s going on with March Madness. So having that reset was essential for me. It’s important for me right now to disconnect from things like social media because, during this time, it can get hectic and shift my focus instead of being focused on the main goal: I want to win a national championship. So that’s very important for me mentally. I’m also very faithful to my religion. So it’s a lot of praying and a lot of talking to Christ. And I have a great support system, too. So, talking to them, telling them if I’m overwhelmed, and knowing that they’re always there to help.
PS: What’s on your playlist? Is there a go-to song that gets you locked in?
HH: I don’t have a favorite song. My favorite artist is Jazmine Sullivan, so I’m always listening to her or any type of R&B music – that’s my go-to.
PS: What is your fitness and conditioning prep routine, and how important is recovery?
HH: As I got older, I realized how important recovery is. So now, it’s a part of my everyday routine after workouts. Making sure I take care of my body consists of massages and cold tubs – and I also just partnered with Icy Hot. Even when I can’t have a long recovery, I’m just able to grab it, apply it, and feel the relief instantly. Being able to incorporate these things into my recovery routine is something that’s been a game-changer.
PS: What’s the vibe in the locker room heading into the tournament? How do you keep your team motivated?
HH: We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, so just being able to be there for each other for encouragement and support. I know I’m one of the leaders of the team, and knowing that my team is looking to me, making sure that I’m positive with them, having a shoulder they can lean on, and always having a smile on my face is important.
PS: When it comes to game-day mindset, what do you do to prepare?
HH: I put on my headphones, listen to gospel music, watch a sermon, or write down my thoughts. I take my mind off of the game a little bit so that I’m not making myself feel anxious or overwhelmed. I then pray with my family, or I pray with myself, and then I’m able to come back with my team, regroup, and lock in with them.
PS: Last year, Notre Dame made it to the Sweet 16. What have you learned from that experience that you’re carrying into this year’s tournament?
HH: I’ve learned a lot from the last tournament, and I think just getting to that “next play” mentality is something big that I’ve been working on, that I’m still working on today. I’ve grown up a lot in that aspect from last year, and not letting one mistake change my entire mindset.
PS: There are more eyes on women’s basketball and there are so many young girls who look up to you as their inspiration. What is one piece of advice that you would give to them?
HH: Have confidence in yourself. There have been so many people who told me I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere because of my height. So have confidence in yourself, and believe that you can do it. Get in the gym, put in the work when nobody else is putting in that work, and be the best that you know you can be. And have fun playing the game of basketball. It’s supposed to be fun, and when you make it a job, it’s not going to be fun compared to when you’re out there playing loose. So have confidence out there and don’t listen to what everyone else around you says.
Ralinda Watts is an author, diversity expert, consultant, practitioner, speaker, and proven thought leader who works at the intersection of race, identity, culture, and justice. She has contributed to numerous publications such as PS, CBS Media, Medium, YahooLifestyle, and the Los Angeles Times.
