The Golden State Valkyries picked Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces’ 2024 roster in the WNBA’s expansion draft on December 6, 2024.
Her father, Matt Martin, was one of her first coaches, who taught her basketball and football until the seventh grade.
Kate began playing basketball at 5, participating in local recreational leagues. For four years, she played varsity basketball for Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Illinois.
She helped her high school team to 108 wins, two regional championships, two SWC titles, and a sectional championship.
She fulfilled her childhood dream after committing to play college basketball for the University of Iowa. Her sixth-grade English assignment letter was to herself playing for the Hawkeyes.
Kate was named team captain for the 2020–21 season and helped Iowa reach the Big Ten tournament championship game. She was elected Iowa’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree for women’s basketball in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The Las Vegas Aces selected her in the second round as the eighteenth overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft, and she was named to the 2024 Las Vegas Aces roster on May 13, 2024.
However, the Golden State Valkyries picked her from the Las Vegas Aces’ 2024 roster in the WNBA’s expansion draft.
Kate Martin Grew Up In An Athletic Household
Kate Marie Martin, the daughter of Jill and Matt Martin, was born on June 5, 2000, in Edwardsville, Illinois. Her parents raised her alongside her siblings, Kennedy and Trevor Martin.
Kennedy played basketball and was a part of the Bulldogs at Truman State, a Division-II basketball team.
Kate didn’t just develop her competitive spirit and athletic prowess by chance.
Her success is deeply rooted in her family’s strong sports background, particularly through the influence of her parents, who shaped her career.
Matt was a football player at Western Illinois University, playing for the Leathernecks.
Although his playing career was brief, his passion for athletics never waned. He transitioned into coaching and passed on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
He was a football and track and field coach at Edwardsville High School in Illinois. His coaching expertise has helped athletes reach elite levels, including A.J. Epenesa.
My family lives around there, my mom is from there – it’s just a great place. It’s a great place, a great atmosphere.
Kate Martin
Jill and Matt Martin were teachers living in Edwardsville but relocated to Moline. Jill taught at Goshen Elementary, whereas Matt was at EHS, where their three children graduated.
Kate comes from a family deeply connected to Iowa basketball, which undoubtedly fueled her competitive nature and helped shape her into the leader she is today.
Her maternal aunt, Julie Fitzpatrick, is married to Jan Jensen, the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team. Many of Kate’s aunts and uncles were college athletes.
Her family’s dedication to sports has left an indelible impact on her career, and their influence will continue to inspire her future achievements.
Kate Martin’s Parents Felt Proud When The Aces Drafted Her
Kate Martin’s parents watched their daughter achieve her basketball dreams, which has been an incredible journey.
Her success at the University of Iowa and her draft by the Las Vegas Aces brought immense pride and unexpected fame to her parents.
@justwomenssports Kate Martin's family after she got drafted 🥹 #katemartin #lasvegasaces #iowawbb #basketball 🎥: @Vibedang_highlight ♬ original sound – Just Women’s Sports
Kate’s family gathered in Moline to watch the WNBA Draft, eagerly awaiting where she would land.
Their excitement peaked when the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces selected her with the 18th overall pick in the second round.
Matt was shocked to see her finish 18th overall, and Jill was happy to know that Kate had fulfilled something she wanted.
Leading up to the draft, there had been speculation that Kate might join her former Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark, as the Indiana Fever held multiple picks.
However, the possibility faded when Indiana chose Ohio State’s Celeste Taylor at No. 15. Three picks later, the Aces called Kate’s name, making her the latest addition to a powerhouse franchise.
Matt Martin believes Las Vegas could be an ideal destination for Kate, especially under the guidance of head coach Becky Hammon, a former WNBA star and longtime San Antonio Spurs assistant.
I think Hammon is the certain type of coach looking for a certain type of person. I think she sees something in Kate.
Matt Martin
While Kate’s basketball journey has taken center stage, her parents have also been in the spotlight. After a dinner in Davenport, two waitresses ran into the parking lot and asked if the couple could take selfies with them.
Jill and Matt Martin will always cheer Kate on as she prepares for the next chapter in her career.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kate Martin earned her bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation management at the University of Iowa in May 2022.
- Excel Sports Management represents her, and she announced her partnership with American Eagle Outfitters in September 2024.
- Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder praised her leadership as team captain and nicknamed her “The Glue” of their team.
- She has been dating Claire Gransee, a Human Resources Associate at Publicis Sapient.
