“There’s nothing like it”: Las Vegas Aces star Kate Martin gives heartfelt speech during visit to alma mater Iowa
As the WNBA takes a break for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin paid a visit to the Carver-hawkeyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Hawkeye Arena, her alma mater. Iowa coach Jan Jensen welcomed their beloved player, who played her last match with them in April.
Jensen first introduced her to the current batch, following which Martin spoke to the team, highlighting the importance of the Iowa program and the unique bond shared by those who wear the Iowa jersey.
"I was actually thinking about this on the drive over. Um. Geez, I just, like, first of all, want to say, like, that I'm so thankful for this program," said Marting while addressing her team.
"And, like, I'm very, very biased obviously. Like, I've been a Hawkeye since the day I was born, but there's nothing like it. And, like, it's funny. Everybody comes back and talks to you.
"Like, when I was, like, here, which is, only four months ago, but it was like, everybody comes back and says,'Oh, there's nothign like it'. Like, it's the best thing in the world, and it truly is. Like, you'll never find a family culture, family atmosphere like this," she added.
Kate Martin was selected 18th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces. She spent five seasons with the Hawkeyes, finishing her final season with an average of 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 50.7%. She received the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award as a sophomore in 2021.
Kate Martin encourages her former Iowa teammates to work hard
On her visit, Kate Martin shared some valuable life lessons. She encouraged her former teammates to work hard every day and not care about the outcome.
"I keep thinking, why not just go all in? Our first Final Four, we had the mantra of 'Why Not Us.' It's like, why not show up every single day and work your a** off and see what can happen? What's the worst that's going to happen?
"Why not come in and get extra shots up and be the best teammate that you can possibly be and see where your life is going to take you?" she said.
This mantra helped the Iowa Hawkeyes get back into the NCAA Finals against the odds.