Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo, despite having a standout sophomore season, fondly recalls a special moment from her collegiate career that occurred right after her first year. In April, she teamed up with the graduating Caitlin Clark to coach athletes at the Special Olympics Southern California basketball game. The experience was heartwarming for Hidalgo as she reflected on it in a recent interview with basketball analyst Rachel Demita.
“It was awesome. The whole experience was great. We got to work with kids who were a little challenged, and just to see their reaction was amazing. They were familiar with Caitlin Clark from previous years, so watching their excitement to meet her and interact with her again was truly special,” Hidalgo shared. The energy in the building was electrifying, with one kid even scoring back-to-back 3-pointers and an and-one play, much to the delight of everyone involved.
The partnership between Hidalgo and Clark was a refreshing sight for fans, as they came together for a positive cause. While Clark has already made a mark in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, Hidalgo and the second-ranked Fighting Irish are gearing up to face the Pittsburgh Panthers in their upcoming game.
Fans couldn’t help but wonder how a backcourt duo of Hidalgo and Clark would fare. With Clark’s scoring prowess and Hidalgo’s two-way play, the combination could be reminiscent of Hidalgo’s chemistry with senior Olivia Miles. If they were to team up in the WNBA, Hidalgo might learn a thing or two from Clark’s scoring ability, potentially making Clark the primary scorer while Hidalgo focuses on impacting the game in other ways.
The collaboration between these two talented players would undoubtedly be a sight to behold, as they bring their unique skills and strengths to the court. As Hidalgo continues to shine in her collegiate career, the possibility of a future partnership with Clark in the WNBA is an exciting prospect for basketball fans.