Two summers ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to be a chaperone for an Education First, EF, trip to Italy, Greece, and Turkey. I was able to visit Greek Islands like Santorini, a Turkish carpet making establishment, and some of the basilicas in and around Rome. It was absolutely incredible, and if you are considering a trip to any of the three countries, I highly recommend it. We were also fortunate enough to go during the year of Jubilee, have a well informed tour guide, and for the weather to be clear skies just about everyday. Not to mention, the trip was basically free because I was working as a chaperone with a group of students. Wins all around.
Speaking of wins, basketball season is kicking off, my favorite sports season, and Villanova is looking to start off with a win outside of Pennsylvania. Matter of fact, they are looking for a win outside of the country, one of the roots of Western culture, Rome. Villanova and Notre Dame will face off in Rome next Sunday, in front of Villanova alumni, Pope Leo. The hoops matchup will be showcasing both school’s talent, as the men’s team and the women’s team for Villanova and Notre Dame will be competing for the millions of dollars of artifacts that live under the Vatican. Or at least that’s a rumor…
Voices
“It just said, ‘ Villanova – Notre Dame. Basketball game in Vatican City?’ with all caps, ‘YES. I’M SERIOUS. WE’RE GOING TO DO THIS’” – John Anthony, Sports Travel Expert1.
“He will know who they (the players) are. He’s a true, blue Villanovan” – Rev. Rob Hagan, Villanova’s team chaplain2.
“And of course he’s not unfamiliar with Notre Dame and their history and legacy. I think he’ll be very dialed in and excited to be part of it” – Rev. Rob Hagan, Villanova’s team chaplain3.
“We’re rooting for him” – Rev. Rob Hagan, Villanova’s team chaplain4.
“To have a pope who grew up an hour and a half from Notre Dame, who went to Villanova, who is an open sports fan, who consistently speaks about uniting the world and the ability of sports to bring people together — it’s just a unifying occasion that sport uniquely can do” – John Anthony, Sports Travel Expert5.
“They tell me that the people coming to the match, 90% are Villanova and 10% Notre Dame, so the voice of the people of God will be very strong on the Villanova side” – Pope Leo XIV6.
“Yes, the turnout among the fans has been phenomenal. It will be a full arena. It’s safe to say there will be more Villanova fans than Notre Dame, but no, it won’t be anywhere near nine to one” – John Anthony, Sports Travel Expert7.
“He can throw up the ball for the tip off. He can do whatever he wants and we will say, ‘Thank you’. We certainly have made contingency plans” – John Anthony, Sports Travel Expert8.
“She plays with a motor that I don’t know we’ve ever seen before — just non-stop energy” – John Anthony, Sports Travel Expert, and Notre Dame alum9.
Reflection
The last quote is what I want to focus on. The woman mentioned in this quote is Hannah Hidalgo. Hannah Hidalgo is a top WNBA prospect who averaged 25.3 points per game last year. Hannah Hidalgo is the only major conference player THIS CENTURY to record a total of 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, and 400 steals before the end of her junior season.
And the title of the article, Hannah Hidalgo was last season’s national defensive player of the year.
I think it’s safe to say Hannah Hidalgo does it all. Hannah Hidalgo scores the ball at an elite level, shares the ball at a respectable rate, and secures the ends of possessions as a solid rebounder. But it’s one side of the ball I really want to see.
Hannah Hidalgo terrorizes the opposition with top-tier on-ball pressure.
Hannah Hidalgo gives the opposing coaching staff’s nightmares with the chaos she creates on the court.
Hannah Hidalgo erases the impact of attacking guards, forcing turnovers seemingly at will.
Defensively, oshe is a demon.
A demon vs. the Pope.
The Fighting Irish vs. The Wildcats.
Notre Dame vs. Villanova.
DISCLAIMER: I am not by any means trying to judge the character of Hannah Hidalgo, I am only trying to appreciate her performances in NCAA basketball games.
References
- Dampf, Andrew. “Pope Leo’s Alma Mater Villanova Traveling to Rome for Hoops Doubleheader vs. Notre Dame.” Newsday, October 21, 2026. https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/villanova-notre-dame-rome-pope-leo-basketball-n66679. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
- Dampf, Andrew. ↩︎
Leave a Reply