Notre Dame women's basketball had one of its best finishes to the season in years, and Hannah Hidalgo is a big reason for that. The star junior yet again had a career year and is already planning her return for next season, making Irish fans very happy.
However, next season will most likely be Hidalgo's last, and head coach Niele Ivey will need to find her next star on the court. That potential star actually just confirmed an official visit to South Bend as No. 1 2027 prospect and five-star point guard Kaleena Smith is showing interest in the Irish.
NEWS: Kaleena Smith, the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2027, will take an official visit to Notre Dame on April 24th, @247Sports is told. https://t.co/zfsyxFtzRs pic.twitter.com/ASqI1nj5BM
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) April 6, 2026
Smith is set to make her official visit to South Bend on April 24, and Notre Dame is just one of nearly 20 Division I offers she has been given. Smith is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2027, the No. 1 point guard in the class, and the No. 1 player in the state of California, according to 247Sports.
The Ontario, Canada native has received a lot of attention from other top programs like UConn, USC, UCLA, LSU, and others, but her sights are on Notre Dame right now. Smith has already had official visits with LSU and Tennessee, among other schools, but Ivey will have to push hard for her commitment.
Smith could be the perfect replacement for Hidalgo, and she would be coming in at the right time. Hidalgo, barring anything from happening, will be heading to the WNBA after next season, and Smith will be starting her freshman year shortly after that.
The top-tier point guard is exactly what Notre Dame will need, as Hidalgo has worked in that position for the Irish for the last three seasons. Smith would work very well in the system Ivey had built for Hidalgo and would be a huge recruit to come in and continue to put Notre Dame at the top of the women's basketball world.