When you look back at the last few years of women’s college basketball, it’s impossible not to see the seismic impact left by the Iowa Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark’s logo threes and record-shattering performances grabbed the headlines, but behind every highlight was a heartbeat—the relentless, steady presence of Kate Martin. Together, they turned Carver-Hawkeye Arena into a must-see destination, inspiring a new generation of women’s basketball fans and rewriting what was possible for the sport at every level.

But while Clark’s professional debut with the Indiana Fever has dominated the national conversation, it’s Kate Martin’s journey—marked by resilience, humility, and a willingness to bet on herself—that offers a masterclass in perseverance and self-belief.

The Unsung Engine of Iowa’s Magic

Before Clark and Martin arrived, Iowa was hardly the epicenter of women’s college basketball. That changed overnight. While Clark’s scoring made the highlight reels, Martin was the glue that held everything together. Averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds during back-to-back Final Four runs in 2023 and 2024, she wasn’t just a role player—she was a star who understood the deeper value of being the perfect complement.

Martin’s leadership style was rooted in trust and relationship-building. She was the calming voice in huddles, the first to pick up a teammate, and the one who could get through to Clark when things got heated. Her ability to anticipate plays, set hard screens, and make the right pass was the secret sauce of Iowa’s success. “It’s called relationship equity,” Martin explained, describing how her bonds off the court translated into accountability and chemistry on it.

Her crowning moment? Iowa’s historic Final Four win over undefeated South Carolina. “That’s still probably my career highlight,” Martin says, remembering how the team executed their game plan to perfection and shocked the basketball world. “We didn’t think we were going to really make it to the national championship… but when we beat them, it was incredible.”

Reality Check in Vegas

After Iowa, Martin’s WNBA dream took her to Las Vegas, where she was drafted by the reigning champion Aces. But the reality of the league hit hard. The Aces’ roster was stacked with established veterans, and Martin quickly found herself buried on the bench. Her minutes dwindled from 20 per game in May to just 11.5 by September. In the playoffs, she played a total of three minutes across six games.

For a player used to being the engine, it was a humbling experience. The WNBA’s physicality, speed, and basketball IQ are on another level—and breaking through as a rookie is an uphill battle. “Scoring is not easy,” Martin said. “People work really hard, they are long, they’re big, they’re fast, they’re physical. I’ve never been more impressed by basketball than now.”

But the hardest lesson wasn’t about skill or conditioning. It was about fit. Sometimes, no matter your talent, you’re simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A Life-Changing Phone Call

At her lowest point in Vegas, Martin reached out to the one person who truly understood: Caitlin Clark. Clark, adjusting to her own pro challenges, saw what others missed. “Your problem isn’t your basketball ability,” Clark told her friend. “It’s being in an organization that doesn’t see your value.”

That conversation was the turning point. When the Golden State Valkyries selected Martin in the expansion draft, they weren’t just offering her a roster spot—they were giving her a chance to help build a franchise from the ground up. For Martin, it was a complete reset.

Golden State: A New Beginning

In the Bay Area, Martin is no longer fighting for scraps. The Valkyries’ leadership sees her as a cornerstone for establishing team culture and identity. Head coach Natalie Nakase emphasizes effort and intent over perfection, creating an environment where Martin’s leadership, communication, and basketball IQ shine.

The fans have responded in kind, selling out season tickets and filling Chase Center with energy every game. “The fans really are so loud… they stayed the entire time, cheering us on, even when we were losing,” Martin says. “It just feels really cool to be part of that history, a part of something so new.”

Her role? Do what she does best: bring energy, focus on defense and rebounding, and make her teammates better. “This league is all about opportunity, and you just need one shot, right?” Martin says. The Valkyries are giving her that shot in the biggest way possible.

The Blueprint for Resilience

Kate Martin’s journey is proof that sometimes the best thing you can do for your career is to walk away from a situation that doesn’t value you. The WNBA is full of stories of players who found success after changing teams—but few have done it with as much grace and determination as Martin.

As the Valkyries build their legacy, Martin is right at the center, showing the next generation that resilience isn’t about sticking it out in a bad situation—it’s about knowing when to bet on yourself.

So the next time you watch the Valkyries, remember: every great comeback starts with someone brave enough to rewrite their story. If you support Kate, comment “Golden State Kate” and join the movement. Her journey is just beginning—and this time, she’s writing the script.