Women’s Basketball Star Hannah Hidalgo Joins as Brand Ambassador
Icy Hot joins Notre Dame Athletics as its first Official Topical Pain Relief Partner, enhancing athlete recovery. Star guard Hannah Hidalgo will serve as brand ambassador.
In today’s competitive sports landscape, financial support and sponsorships play a crucial role in the growth and success of collegiate athletics, particularly in soccer. Colleges and universities rely on corporate partnerships to expand their programs, enhance athlete development, and provide the necessary resources for players to compete at the highest level.
In a move highlighting the increasing focus on sports recovery and athlete wellness, Icy Hot, the trusted topical pain relief brand under Opella, has become the Official Topical Pain Relief Partner of Notre Dame Athletics. This marks the brand’s first foray into college athletics, reinforcing its commitment to helping student-athletes maintain peak performance through effective pain management and recovery solutions. 
As part of this partnership, Icy Hot’s signature products—including the Icy Hot Original No Mess and the Icy Hot Pro Massaging Balm—will be stocked in Notre Dame’s training facilities and locker rooms across all sports. These products, known for their contrast therapy, use a combination of cooling and heating sensations to relieve muscle soreness, reduce stiffness, and aid in faster recovery.
The Growing Role of Recovery in College Athletics
With the increasing physical demands placed on collegiate athletes, recovery has become a critical component of sports performance. From two-a-day practices to back-to-back games, student-athletes endure a grueling schedule that can take a toll on their bodies. While strength training and conditioning are widely emphasized, proper recovery strategies—including pain management, stretching, hydration, and sleep—are now recognized as essential to long-term success.
This partnership underscores a broader trend in sports science, where brands and athletic programs prioritize injury prevention and muscle recovery as key elements in performance optimization. Notre Dame Athletics is among the elite collegiate programs leading the way, providing world-class training resources to support their athletes’ well-being.
“We are thrilled to partner with such a legendary athletic program,” said Vincent Balagat, North American Icy Hot Lead at Opella. “Our mission is to support athletes at every level, helping them recover effectively so they can continue pushing their limits. Working with Notre Dame allows us to bring that support to some of the nation’s top student-athletes and be part of their journey toward excellence.”
Notre Dame’s Commitment to Holistic Athlete Development
Beyond athletic performance, Notre Dame Athletics has long been committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes, both physically and mentally. By incorporating Icy Hot’s advanced pain relief solutions into its recovery protocols, the university is taking another step toward ensuring its athletes compete at a high level and prioritize their long-term health.
“Recovery is a key component of success in sports, and Icy Hot’s innovative pain relief solutions will be a great asset for our athletes,” said John Wagle, Pat & Jana Eilers Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance at Notre Dame. “Our student-athletes train and compete at an incredibly high level, and providing them with top-tier recovery tools ensures they can perform at their best day after day.”
Hannah Hidalgo: A Perfect Fit as Icy Hot’s Brand Ambassador
In addition to its partnership with Notre Dame, Icy Hot has signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Notre Dame women’s basketball standout Hannah Hidalgo, who will be a brand ambassador.
A rising star in women’s college basketball, Hidalgo has already established herself as a dominant force on the court. Known for her relentless speed, agility, and defensive prowess, she embodies the grit and determination that Icy Hot champions.
“Competing at an elite level means constantly pushing my body to the limit, and recovery is just as important as the work I put in during practice,” said Hidalgo. “Icy Hot has been a game-changer for me, helping me stay ready for every challenge. I’m excited to partner with a brand that truly understands what athletes need to keep performing at their best.”
For student-athletes like Hidalgo, managing muscle fatigue and preventing injuries is crucial to sustaining performance throughout the season. With the rise of NIL partnerships, companies like Icy Hot are not only aligning with programs but also directly supporting individual athletes who serve as living testaments to the products they endorse.
Icy Hot’s Expanding Role in Sports Recovery
This partnership is part of Icy Hot’s broader push into the sports world, expanding its role in athletic performance and recovery beyond just professional sports. Recently, the brand also became the Official Recovery Partner of Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league, further strengthening its commitment to athletes at all levels.
As sports medicine and recovery science continue to evolve, athletes are becoming more proactive about how they take care of their bodies. Partnerships like this one between Icy Hot and Notre Dame highlight a growing emphasis on injury prevention, recovery optimization, and long-term athlete sustainability.
With this latest move, Icy Hot is positioning itself as more than just a pain relief brand—it’s becoming a trusted partner in athlete wellness, helping competitors from college to the pros stay at the top of their game.
For more information on Icy Hot’s products and commitment to sports recovery, visit www.icyhot.com
These investments fund essential training, recovery, and travel expenses and help grow the soccer business by attracting top talent and increasing the sport’s visibility. With brands like Icy Hot stepping in to support athlete recovery — now partnering with Notre Dame Athletics — such collaborations highlight the growing importance of financial backing in ensuring student-athletes receive the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field.
