Kate Martin Bio
Kate Marie Martin is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Valkyries of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Breeze of Unrivaled. She played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she had a stellar career. Martin was selected in the second round (18th overall) by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA draft and has since made a significant impact in her early professional career.
Early Life and Background
Kate Marie Martin was born on June 5, 2000, in Edwardsville, Illinois, where she grew up alongside her family. She is the youngest of three children born to teachers Matt and Jill Martin. Martin began playing basketball at the age of five, participating in local recreational leagues and playing pickup games at the YMCA. Her early exposure to the sport included attending basketball camps at the University of Iowa every summer, where she developed a passion for the game. Martin’s father was one of her first coaches, guiding her and her siblings in various sports, including basketball and football. In middle school, she joined the local AAU basketball program and excelled in both basketball and volleyball.
Path to Basketball
Martin attended Edwardsville High School, where she played four years of varsity basketball under head coach Lori Blade. During her freshman season, her team achieved a remarkable 30-1 record, winning multiple titles before facing the eventual state champions in the quarterfinals. Over her high school career, Martin matured into a key player, earning accolades such as Class 4A All-State honors and surpassing 1,000 career points as a junior. As a senior, she led her team to multiple championships and finished her high school career with 1,518 points, ranking fourth in school history. Martin’s impressive high school performance garnered attention from NCAA Division I programs, ultimately leading her to commit to the University of Iowa.
Kate Martin Career
Early Career (2024)
After completing her collegiate career, Martin declared for the 2024 WNBA draft, where she was selected by the Las Vegas Aces. She made her WNBA debut on May 18, 2024, contributing to her team’s success in her rookie season. Martin’s jersey became one of the best-selling in the league, showcasing her popularity among fans.
Breakthrough (2025)
In December 2024, Martin was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA’s expansion draft. She continued to develop her skills and make significant contributions to her new team. In her second season, Martin recorded a career-high 21 points in a game against the New York Liberty, demonstrating her growth as a player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Martin has achieved notable milestones, including being named to the second-team All-Big Ten in 2024 and receiving the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award in 2021. Her leadership on and off the court has earned her recognition as a key player in women’s basketball.
Kate Martin Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Kate Martin has received several nominations, including the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award and second-team All-Big Ten honors, highlighting her contributions to her teams and the sport.
Kate Martin Awards Won
Kate Martin has won the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award in 2021 and was named to the second-team All-Big Ten in 2024, showcasing her talent and dedication to basketball.
Kate Martin Family
Kate Martin comes from a family of athletes, with her father, Matt Martin, having played college football. She has an older sister, Kennedy, who played basketball at Truman State, and an older brother, Trevor. Martin’s maternal aunt is married to Iowa’s head coach, Jan Jensen, further connecting her to the sport.
Personal Life
Martin completed her bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation management at the University of Iowa in May 2022 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field. She has expressed aspirations to coach basketball at the collegiate level, receiving encouragement from her teammates and coaches. Martin’s leadership qualities have earned her the nickname “The Glue” from her coach, Lisa Bluder, highlighting her importance to her teams. She has also been involved in various business ventures and partnerships, including endorsements with local businesses and national brands.
