Could March Madness deliver one of the most dramatic women’s basketball matchups in recent memory? If TCU and Notre Dame cross paths next postseason, all eyes will be on Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo, former teammates turned potential rivals in a storyline packed with tension, talent, and plenty of speculation.
Tension Builds Ahead of Potential TCU–Notre Dame March Madness Clash
It all started with what fans are calling a “cold” exchange at the Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings preseason game on May 2. The WNBA exhibition was held at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, a symbolic setting considering both guards once wore the Fighting Irish jersey together.
But this wasn’t a warm homecoming. A viral clip showed what appeared to be an uncomfortable moment between Miles and Hidalgo, sparking rumors of a rift between the two stars. And the tension didn’t come out of nowhere.
The way Hannah stopped in her tracks when she saw Olivia…and peep Olivia was gonna play like she didnt see her at first. Oh nothing about this exchange was pleasant. https://t.co/Z47buAKTgO pic.twitter.com/MIkW3c1z31
— Ashley (@realeyezone) May 4, 2025
Just weeks earlier, Notre Dame suffered a stunning early exit from the NCAA tournament after losing to TCU, a program that had never previously been a major postseason threat. Adding fuel to the fire, days later, Miles shocked the college basketball world by announcing she would transfer to TCU for her final year of eligibility, bypassing the 2025 WNBA Draft.
For Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey, the loss was a gut punch. The program had already said goodbye to Sonia Citron, the team’s leading scorer, who was selected third overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Miles was expected to be the anchor heading into the next season alongside Hidalgo. Instead, she’s now wearing purple and black in Fort Worth.
Both Miles and Hidalgo were central to Notre Dame’s 2024 regular-season success, helping the Irish secure a conference title. Their chemistry on the court was undeniable, but now, that bond may be fractured.
The awkward May 2 interaction only amplified suspicions of off-court drama, especially with Hidalgo visibly supporting Citron at her WNBA debut the very next day, without a trace of Miles around.
What happens if TCU and Notre Dame meet again next March? It’s not just a matchup between two top-tier programs, it could be a personal showdown between two of the most electric guards in the country.
The backstory alone guarantees ratings, and the stakes would be massive: bragging rights, redemption, and a chance to define each of their legacies.
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While neither camp has publicly commented on the rumored fallout, fans and analysts are already circling a potential tournament collision on the calendar. Both teams are expected to enter the 2025 season as contenders, and if the bracket aligns, the drama writes itself.
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