Jun 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) celebrates in the second half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images - Source: Imagn

"Chicago crazy for not grabbing her": WNBA fans react as 38.9% 3-point shooter signs with Kate Martin's Valkyries

Modified Jun 11, 2025 12:27 GMT

WNBA fans reacted to former WNBA champion Aerial Powers signing with the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday. The shooting guard joined Kate Martin's team as a free agent after spending the last season with the Atlanta Dream. Last season, she averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from the 3-point line.

The Valkyries announced the signing after their overtime victory against the LA Sparks. Powers will replace Julie Vanloo, who is out temporarily to participate in the EuroBasket tournament. The signing was reported on X (formerly Twitter) by 'Underdog WNBA' with a short caption.

"Aerial Powers has signed with the Valkyries," it read.

Expand Tweet

This tweet garnered attention of WNBA fans, with one handle in particular condemning the Chicago Sky for not signing her.

"I like this move. Chicago crazy for not grabbing her," the user wrote.

Expand Tweet

Fans continued to react to the news, as they welcomed her back to the league.

"I am glad to see her back in the league," a fan said.

"Big get!" another commented.

Although WNBA fans welcomed her with open arms, Valkyries fans had mixed reactions to her joining the team.

"This just made my day!!! I have to get her Valkyries jersey asap!" a fan remarked.

"I said this team was tanking, I take it back 😭," another said.

"Hopefully, she'll embrace the Valkyries system and won't dribble the air out of the ball like she did in ATL. Cheryl Reeves benched her in Minn bcuz she wasn't system friendly," a fan added.

"She better not bring her poor shooting ass here and spoil the chemistry," another wrote.

Despite mixed reactions, Aerial Powers instantly becomes the Valkyries' top backcourt shooter based on her 38.9% shooting from 3 last season, edging out Kate Martin’s 35.7%.

Kate Martin explains what she brings to the table at the Golden State Valkyries: "A lot of energy."

During an appearance on the 'Birds Eye View' podcast on Saturday, the Valkyries guard sat down for a conversation with WNBA icon Sue Bird. The duo discussed various topics, including Martin's time with the Valkyries.

Questioned by Bird on what she brought to the Valkyries, Martin explained how she tried to get "a lot of energy" while expressing love for her team:

"I've been loving the Valkyries, I love all my teammates ... coaching staff ... what I have been trying to bring is a lot of energy ... fun. It makes me feel more like myself."

Expand Tweet

Martin joined the Valkyries from the Las Vegas Aces during the expansion draft in November.

About the author

Arian Kashyap is a basketball journalist at Sportskeeda with over two years of experience at Essentially Sports and Spice Bite and a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Sciences.

Arian's favorite team is the Miami Heat and it’s mainly down to Dwyane Wade being his favorite player of all time. Arian loved how explosive Wade was as a player and he had all the attributes, whether that be shooting, defending or passing. Arian really liked how he won titles both with and without a dynasty behind him.

Arian has also worked with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and was the manager for a Delhi-based women’s team called Garwhal Untied. Garwhal won the Delhi league and were runners-up during his tenure.

Arian has judged essay writing competitions for the Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India in 2023 and was a part of the U-14 team for the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools academy that qualified for the AIFF Round in 2023.

When not working or watching sports, Arian likes riding his motorcycle and reading.

Know More