The Shocking Split: 7 Things To Know About The Olivia Miles And Hannah Hidalgo Feud That Rocked Notre Dame Basketball
The dramatic saga surrounding former Notre Dame teammates Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo has become one of the most talked-about storylines in women’s college basketball this year, overshadowing their immense on-court talent. The core of the controversy centers on a rumored, highly-publicized "beef" or "feud" that culminated in Miles' shocking decision to transfer to TCU after the 2024-2025 season, leaving Hidalgo as the undisputed star of the Fighting Irish. This article dives into the latest updates and the seven key factors behind the split, providing a fresh, in-depth look at the dynamic between two of the sport’s most compelling guards as of December 22, 2025.
The tension, which reportedly involved an "icy confrontation" captured on video and public speculation from former Notre Dame legends, has forced fans and analysts to dissect the complex relationship between two ball-dominant players. While both Miles and Hidalgo initially appeared to be a dream pairing for the Irish, the reality of their on-court chemistry and off-court dynamic ultimately led to a high-stakes separation that will define the trajectory of both their careers.
Dual Dominance: The Career Highlights of Miles and Hidalgo
The narrative of Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo is one of shared greatness at the same institution, though their paths to stardom were distinct. Miles arrived first, making an immediate impact, while Hidalgo exploded onto the scene, quickly establishing herself as one of the nation's premier players.
Olivia Miles: Notre Dame Career Profile (2020-2025)
- Full Name: Olivia Miles
- Position: Guard
- Former College: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2020-2025)
- Current College: TCU Horned Frogs (Transferred for 2025-2026 season)
- Key Highlights:
- First-ever early enrollee in the Notre Dame women's basketball program (Winter 2020).
- Two-time Associated Press All-American.
- Holds an all-time Notre Dame record for triple-doubles.
- Known for her elite passing vision and court generalship.
- Averaged approximately 15 points per game in her last full season.
Hannah Hidalgo: Notre Dame Career Profile (2023-Present)
- Full Name: Hannah Grace Hidalgo
- Position: Guard
- College: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2023-Present)
- Key Highlights:
- 2024-2025 ACC Player of the Year (POTY).
- 2024-2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year (DPOTY).
- Joined Duke's Lindsay Harding (2007) as the only player to win both ACC POTY and DPOTY in the same campaign.
- Led the team in scoring in 2024-2025 with 22.6 points per game.
- Known for her relentless motor, elite scoring ability, and disruptive defense (leading the nation in steals).
- Helped lead Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The Seven Factors Behind the Miles-Hidalgo "Breakup"
The public narrative of a collegiate "super-team" quickly dissolved into a high-profile drama that captivated the college basketball world. While the players and Coach Niele Ivey maintained a professional front, the evidence of friction was undeniable. The following factors are believed to be the primary drivers of the split.
1. The "Ball-Dominant" Conflict
Both Miles and Hidalgo thrive with the ball in their hands, dictating the offense. Analysts quickly pointed out that there was only "room enough for one of them on the team" because both are inherently ball-dominant guards. This dynamic led to questions about who would be the primary playmaker and who would defer, a common issue when two elite point guards share the backcourt.
2. The "Icy Confrontation" Video
A video surfaced on May 4th, 2025, after the season concluded, showing an "icy confrontation" between Miles and Hidalgo. The clip, which fans widely circulated, appeared to show a strained interaction between the two stars at an event attended by current and former Fighting Irish players. Some reports even suggested the players had to be separated during a heated altercation, fueling the rumor mill.
3. Hidalgo's Rapid Ascent and Star Status
Hidalgo’s sophomore season was historic. By winning both ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, she cemented her status as the team's undeniable superstar. This rapid ascent, while a boon for the program, may have shifted the internal hierarchy and spotlight away from Miles, who was previously the team's veteran leader.
4. Miles' Transfer to TCU
The most concrete evidence of the split was Olivia Miles' decision to transfer to TCU for the 2025-2026 season. This move came after Miles had initially bypassed the 2025 WNBA Draft to return to Notre Dame. The transfer was widely interpreted as the final act of a strained relationship, suggesting that coexisting was no longer tenable for one or both players.
5. The Silence and Subtle Shade
Following Miles' departure, the reaction from Hannah Hidalgo was noted by many as being less than supportive. Some observers felt Hidalgo "didn't seem to be too bothered" by Miles' decision to leave the Fighting Irish, with her responses to Coach Niele Ivey and the situation speaking volumes about the internal atmosphere.
6. Alleged Cutting of Ties by Former Teammates
The drama extended beyond the two players. Reports suggested that former Irish teammates, including WNBA star Skylar Diggins-Smith, allegedly cut ties with Olivia Miles as the feud with Hannah Hidalgo intensified. This indicated that the conflict was not an isolated incident but a significant rift within the Notre Dame basketball family.
7. Miles' Public Clarification
In an attempt to quell the intense speculation, Olivia Miles did publicly address the situation, attempting to "set the record straight" about the rumored beef with Hannah Hidalgo. While the full context of her statement is debated, the need for a public clarification underscores the severity of the controversy and the pressure both players faced from the media and fans.
Comparing Future Trajectories: WNBA Projections
Despite the drama, both Miles and Hidalgo are projected to be elite prospects in the WNBA Draft when they decide to turn pro. Their contrasting styles have led to fascinating comparisons among professional scouts and analysts, suggesting they will have different, yet equally impactful, careers at the next level.
The comparison often centers on their playmaking and scoring profiles. Hidalgo is viewed as a high-volume scorer and defensive menace, drawing comparisons to players known for their relentless attacking, such as Courtney Williams. Her incredible ability to generate points and steals makes her a coveted commodity.
Conversely, Miles is seen as the quintessential floor general, an elite passer and facilitator. Her game is often likened to that of a top-tier WNBA point guard like Chelsea Gray. Miles' court vision and ability to elevate her teammates are her defining characteristics, suggesting a future as a primary distributor and leader.
Ultimately, the "breakup" between Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo has created two powerful, separate narratives. For Notre Dame, it means relying solely on the electrifying talent of Hidalgo. For Miles, the move to TCU offers a fresh start and the chance to be the undisputed focal point of an offense, a necessary step for her WNBA development. The college basketball world will now track their careers separately, eager to see which star shines brightest on her own stage.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Linda Emard PhD
- Username : jordyn42
- Email : hodkiewicz.lurline@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1997-11-25
- Address : 444 Carter Union Dibbertbury, ME 82339-0233
- Phone : 1-571-969-6304
- Company : Collins PLC
- Job : Middle School Teacher
- Bio : Est nemo velit sapiente vitae quo. Aspernatur accusamus ipsam hic mollitia. Quia rerum esse voluptatem eius ut impedit nobis aspernatur. Unde et similique occaecati accusamus et eligendi iure iste.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/kilbacka
- username : kilbacka
- bio : Aut sequi est quo dolor et quo rerum.
- followers : 5337
- following : 83
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/kilback1983
- username : kilback1983
- bio : Et voluptatibus quos eaque itaque iure porro magni. Ipsa recusandae rerum eos debitis praesentium.
- followers : 4450
- following : 312
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@alfred_kilback
- username : alfred_kilback
- bio : Deserunt adipisci reiciendis id ducimus.
- followers : 707
- following : 2271
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/kilbacka
- username : kilbacka
- bio : Incidunt cum dicta et sint numquam dignissimos.
- followers : 730
- following : 143
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/akilback
- username : akilback
- bio : Cum tempora alias culpa quis qui excepturi nobis numquam. Id assumenda optio maxime ducimus et. Veritatis ipsa eum vero rerum et voluptatibus.
- followers : 2889
- following : 45
