Heartbreak. Determination. And a promise to lead. That’s the mood surrounding Notre Dame basketball star Hannah Hidalgo right now — and she’s making it clear she intends to turn a disappointing NCAA run into fuel for a comeback season.
At Tuesday’s ACC Media Day, the junior guard didn’t mince words about the sting of last year’s Sweet 16 exit. "Knowing how much talent we had last year and to underachieve was heartbreaking," she admitted. Notre Dame, once ranked No. 1, lost focus at a critical time, and Hidalgo wants that narrative erased.
With 23.8 points per game last season — ranking fifth in the nation — Hidalgo is now stepping into an even bigger role. Notre Dame lost Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld to the WNBA, while Olivia Miles transferred to TCU. Despite whispers of tension with Miles, Hidalgo brushed off the rumors, stressing that leadership means more than scoring. "It’s about building bonds off the court. Basketball is huge, but relationships are bigger," she said. Head coach Niele Ivey believes Hidalgo is ready, noting both the weight of the spotlight and her ability to surround herself with the right people.
But here's where it gets controversial: Hidalgo’s vow to lead comes at a moment when the Fighting Irish roster looks vastly different. Will she thrive under the heavy pressure, or will the team’s losses prove too steep to overcome?
Seattle Reign defender and NWSL veteran Sofia Huerta just took a major off-field step: she’s now part-owner of USL Super League’s Athletic Club Boise. For the Idaho native, the decision was personal. "This community made me who I am," she said. Soccer has given her everything, and she believes Boise’s new club will give future athletes the same chance.
Athletic Club Boise aims to launch a men’s team in 2026 and a Gainbridge Super League women’s team in 2027. Fellow co-owner Kasey Keller calls Huerta’s story "exactly what this club should embody." Notably, Huerta becomes the first NWSL player to directly buy into the USL Super League, a growing league intended to rival the NWSL. Some of her Reign teammates have already entered USL ownership through W League side Salmon Bay FC.
In UEFA Women’s Champions League action, OL Lyonnais got payback against Arsenal, winning 2-1 in London. Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay was the star, scoring twice in the first half to overturn an early goal from Alessia Russo. Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers was blunt about the defensive slip-ups, warning that repeated errors point to a deeper issue. While she urged perspective, OL Lyonnais celebrated a statement victory, with Juventus also beating Benfica and Barcelona thrashing Bayern Munich 7-1.
This year’s Champions League format means no repeat matchups in the first round; six different opponents await each team before the knockout stage. Wednesday’s fixtures include Chelsea vs. FC Twente, streaming on Paramount+.
WNBA star Napheesa Collier is making waves beyond the court. Speaking to former VP Kamala Harris in LA, she opened up about finally reaching her breaking point with league leadership. "We tried for so long to move the needle, but nothing changed," she said. Even knowing she might face backlash, Collier felt she had to speak her truth.
Her sharp criticism included cancelling a meeting with commissioner Cathy Engelbert, after Engelbert publicly denied Collier’s account of a conversation about rookie pay. Collier called that denial "a lack of accountability" and insisted she had nothing more to say on the matter. Engelbert and NBA commissioner Adam Silver claim they want to rebuild trust, but Collier’s stance shows just how far that trust has eroded.
The question remains: Is Collier courageously leading a player movement, or will the rift between stars and league office deepen even further?
Back in the WNBA Finals, the Phoenix Mercury are in do-or-die territory — sort of. Trailing the Las Vegas Aces 0-2 in the best-of-seven series, Phoenix must win Game 3 to avoid slipping into a nearly impossible hole. Head coach Nate Tibbetts is focused on one fundamental: defense. Alyssa Thomas echoed that sentiment, noting they still have confidence but "a lot of room to improve."
For the first time, a Finals series allows seven games instead of five, giving teams like Phoenix more breathing room when starting slow. "No panic, no pressure," said Thomas. "That’s the beauty of this format." Veteran DeWanna Bonner emphasized they have two guaranteed home games to shift momentum.
On the other side, Jewell Loyd insists Las Vegas will stay locked in and avoid complacency. Expect Phoenix to bring the energy Wednesday at 8 PM ET on ESPN.
Now your turn: Will Hidalgo rise as Notre Dame’s unquestioned leader? Is Huerta’s investment a turning point for USL women’s soccer? Should WNBA players push harder for transparency from league leaders? And in the Finals, can Phoenix pull off a historic comeback? Share your take in the comments — whether you agree or think the hype is misplaced.
