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Kate Martin once made honest confession about why she chose to be a Hawkeye
Golden State Valkyries star Kate Martin was famously known for being the "glue" of the Iowa Hawkeyes. While Caitlin Clark captured national attention, Martin kept the boat afloat in grueling moments.
When the WNBA star arrived in Iowa in July 2018, it was a dream come true moment for her. She wanted to be a Hawkeye, as she revealed in a video posted by the Hawkeyes on YouTube.
"There is a lot of reasons why I became a Hawkeye," Martin said. "My family, all lives in Iowa. [I] like around here. I have grown up going to the camps here at Iowa. It's a great atmosphere. I love the colors also.
"I mean, being Hawkeye means so much to everyone who goes to the school and it's a great school." [0:15]
The Hawkeyes recruited Martin in her junior year at Edwardsville High School. The WNBA star had written herself a letter in sixth grade, expressing her desire to play for the Hawkeyes.
"Hi Kate. When you're reading this, I hope you have committed to play basketball at the University of Iowa," Martin wrote in the letter.
Kate Martin spent five seasons with the Hawkeyes. In 163 games, she averaged 8.0 points and shot 46.4% from the field. She also recorded 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. She had a breakout season in 2023-24, averaging 13.1 points on 50.7% shooting.
A'ja Wilson makes a big revelation about playing alongside Kate Martin
Kate Martin almost never got good minutes while she played for the Las Vegas Aces, but she was treated nothing less than a star by the Aces fans.
One of Martin's fans happens to be superstar A'ja Wilson. After Martin was acquired by the Valkyries, a fan on Threads asked Wilson about the best part about playing alongside Martin. The three-time WNBA MVP highlighted Martin's "contagious" energy.
"Best part about playing with Money Martin?"
"Kate's energy was contagious! Never backed down from anyone," Wilson wrote in her reply.
While Kate Martin barely got minutes under Becky Hammon, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase's decision to bring her to her roster could mark a career turnaround for the former Aces player. But before her second WNBA season with Golden State, Martin will participate in the inaugural "Unrivaled" league starting on Jan. 17.
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