Watch: Aces rookie Kate Martin throws out first pitch at Kansas City Royals game

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Jul 28, 2024 13:50 GMT

WNBA players received a month-long mid-season break and Las Vegas Aces rookie guard Kate Martin is using her free time wisely. The 24-year-old had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Kansas City Royals game versus the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

Over 31,000 fans were in attendance at Kauffman Stadium to watch Martin experience the special moment. Throwing out the first pitch can be a daunting task, but Martin looked cool and composed as she walked out to the mound and delivered a near perfect strike over the plate to the delight of the crowd.

Martin is not a Kansas City native but was born and raised on the Illinois-Missouri border. She attended Edwardsville High School before committing to the University of Iowa to play under coach Lisa Bluder.

The Kansas City Royals have been one of the most consistent teams in the American League and have a real shot at a deep playoff run this year. Led by MVP contender Bobby Witt Jr., the team currently sits third in the AL Central with a 57-48 record. They remain in the Wild Card picture and are only one game behind the Minnesota Twins and 3.5 games behind the New York Yankees.

Kate Martin had the crowd buzzing after her stellar pitch early in the evening. Unfortunately, the Royals could not hold on to that momentum and eventually fell to a 9-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Kate Martin recently returned to the University of Iowa to speak to the team about her appreciation for the program

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kate Martin reacts after a basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Photo Credit: Imagn

Kate Martin was a key figure on the Iowa Hawkeyes team that went all the way to the NCAA women's championship game in 2024. She played alongside Caitlin Clark in the backcourt for four seasons and averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in her final season in college.

The Las Vegas Aces were impressed with her productivity and drafted her with the no. 18 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Recently, Martin returned to the University to speak with the current team about her college experience and her appreciation for the Hawkeyes program.

"There's nothing like it," stated Martin, "You'll never find a family culture, family atmosphere like this.

Martin also pushed Iowa's players to work hard and think positive as they prepare for another successful NCAA run next season.