It’s finally happening! The WNBA’s newest team and 13th franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, has officially started building its roster. Unsurprisingly, one of their key selections is Edwardsville High School graduate Kate Martin. The 6-foot guard will now move nine hours west, departing the Las Vegas Aces to join the Valkyries. “This league is all about opportunity, and you just need one shot!” Martin shared enthusiastically. However, she’s not the only one celebrating this new chapter, despite being left unprotected by the Aces.

Martin’s excitement is echoed by her close allies, Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson. Notably, her selection by the Valkyries wasn’t a random occurrence—it was a calculated move by the Aces. Under expansion draft rules, teams could protect six players, and unfortunately for the rookie, Martin didn’t make that list.

Given her popularity on the Aces’ roster, it came as no surprise that the Valkyries capitalized on the opportunity to draft her. Martin’s rookie season included 34 appearances with limited playing time, averaging just 11.5 minutes per game. Her stats reflected this, with 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.

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Her role diminished further as the Aces’ core players regained their health. Over the final 15 regular-season games, she saw double-digit minutes only three times and logged just three minutes total during the playoffs. It’s evident that Martin wasn’t a priority for the Aces. But with Valkyries, she is expected to find new opportunities, answering her excitement and that of her loved ones.

W players share Kate Martin’s happiness

At first Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old Iowa native, reposted Martin’s announcement on her Instagram story with the caption, “Let’s go, Kater!” Clark’s excitement is no surprise. Feels like just yesterday when Martin supported her at the 2024 WNBA Draft, only to be drafted herself by the Aces as the No. 18 pick in the second round.

While Martin’s journey has taken unexpected turns, it has also brought valuable opportunities. She spent nearly a year with the then-reigning champion Aces, where she developed a close bond with MVP A’ja Wilson. “My baby, so happy for you! You’re a gem. Now we gotta give you and (Natalie Nakase) 50,” Wilson said in a heartfelt statement, referencing their special handshake and camaraderie.

Martin’s future with the Valkyries looks promising. Her contract runs through 2026, with a team option for 2027, before she becomes a restricted free agent in 2028. It looks like a healthy new chapter for the 24-year-old and her former teammates are all here for it.

Aces’ veteran Alysha Clark humorously commented on X, “Damn Money,” while Chelsea Gray added, “Money Martin,” referencing to the nickname given by Becky Hammon for her scoring and ability to be in the right place at the right time. “She makes people better,” Kelsey Plum had said speaking of the moniker.

Golden State seems to have hit the jackpot by acquiring a fan favorite. Martin, ranked No. 4 in WNBA jersey sales, will now trade her black and white Aces jersey for the Valkyries’ vibrant purple. “Ooooweeeee, Babyyyy gonna stock up on purple,” teammate Jada Gyamfi wrote on Instagram.

It wasn’t just her Aces teammates celebrating the news; her former Iowa teammates Caitlin Clark and Gabby Marshall also chimed in. Marshall commented, “I love Kate Martin.”

Martin’s track record speaks for itself. At Iowa, she amassed 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, and 473 assists in 163 games. She is the only player in Iowa’s history to record at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals, and 70 blocks. Wherever Martin goes, she leaves an indelible mark. Can she carry this momentum and thrive with the Valkyries?