USA Today via Reuters
Las Vegas Aces guard Kate Martin (20) dribbles the ball against the LA Sparks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Las Vegas Aces guard Kate Martin (20) dribbles the ball against the LA Sparks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kate Martin went from cheering her best friend at the draft to being selected by the then-two-time defending champions, and eventually making it to the top-5 jersey sales. Less than a year in and a new chapter awaits her now with the Golden State Valkyries’ expansion draft. Yet, there is quite a bit to leave behind in Las Vegas for the 24-year-old and Martin is gearing up for the emotion it brings.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post captioned, “@katemartin with the much-needed BTS 🥹,” Martin shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her final day in Las Vegas. The video chronicled her emotional journey, showcasing just how much the city and the team meant to her. “Okay, hi everybody, this is a day in my life—my last day in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Martin began.
The video revealed intimate moments with her girlfriend, Claire Gransee, who was by her side throughout the moving process. The couple visited Martin’s favorite diner for breakfast before heading to the Aces’ practice facility, where Martin cleaned out her locker.
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That’s when the emotions hit hard. “It’s really bittersweet. This is kind of when everything hit me—walking into the gym and realizing this isn’t where I’ll be practicing anymore,” Martin admitted. Though she had been with the Aces for just under a year, she cherished every moment and so did the veterans on the team.
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Not only did Kate see Alysha Clark growing into a ‘Martini’ (Kate’s fan club) as she announced with her merch, but she also had A’ja Wilson having an outburst over her departure. “F%^# !” read the reigning MVP’s first post. It was followed with “Yall wanted this expansion sooooooooooo bad NOW LOOK ….MY BABY ROOK GONE……”
Martin may have had limited minutes on the court, averaging 11.5 for 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, but she was a reliable force. And the team made sure to let her know that — Kate ‘Money’ Martin, they called her. It was a nickname coach Becky Hammon gave the star guard and Kelsey Plum has a take on it. “When I say ‘money,’ it’s not just about scoring, she’s just in the right place at the right time. She makes people better,” she had gushed.
The love for the Las Vegas rookie was evident throughout. If not, the draft announcement brought in just the time to sum it all up.
Kate Martin feels the veterans’ love
Martin became one of the 11 foundation players of the Golden State Valkyries’ on Friday. She bears great expectations now as a young talent, also having signed a contract with the franchise. And her teammates couldn’t be prouder.
“My baby, so happy for you! You’re a gem,” Wilson penned while Chelsea Grey and Clark had name-dropped her moniker. But it wasn’t all limited to love from afar. The Aces went on a team dinner Saturday night as per Alysha Clark’s Instagram stories. She even summed up their adoration for the former Iowa Hawkeyes star, calling her “our forever rook.”
No wonder it is a bittersweet moment for Kate Martin who is just as excited to begin with the Golden State. “This league is all about opportunity. I’m excited to build something from the ground up,” she said post the draft. The 24-year-old guard will be joined by Temi Fagbenle, Kayla Thornton, and Stephanie Talbot among others. Moreover, she will have a familiar face in head coach Natalie Nakase, who was an assistant to Hammon with the Aces.
Martin may be excited to explore the new territory but she wishes to be back in Las Vegas if the and when the circumstances permit. For now, her journey is just beginning and her former teammates are all here for it.
Written by
Edited by
Shivatmika Manvi