Kate Martin was chosen by the Las Vegas Aces during the 2024 WNBA draft’s second round, securing the 18th overall spot. Subsequently, she bid farewell to Iowa with a sincere message on Instagram.

 

After spending six seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, she expressed her fondness for the team’s former home ground, the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Martin shared a photo of the arena on Instagram accompanied by the following caption:

“Home. Carver will be missed.”

Screenshot via Kate Martin's Instagram
Martin, a native of Edwardsville, Illinois, had aspired to join the Iowa Hawkeyes since she was five years old. Her parents, who currently reside in Quad Cities, disclosed that they had initially wished for her to be selected to play alongside Caitlin Clark (who was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever).

However, they are happy that Martin has been picked by the Las Vegas Aces:

“Caitlin was over last night, and we were packing. I said, ‘Are you guys sad about all this?” Kate’s mother Jill Martin said (via Essentially Sports). “They said no. They are fine with it. They are excited about it. I think it will be fun for them to play against each other.”

The Iowa Hawkeyes have consistently finished as NCAA championships runner-up, experiencing consecutive losses in 2023 and 2024 to LSU and South Carolina, respectively.

In the meantime, Kate Martin’s selection marks her as the 10th graduate of Edwardsville High School to be drafted into a major American sports league since 2000.

Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark will square off at T-Mobile Arena.

Hochman: Caitlin Clark inspires nationally, but Iowa's Kate Martin from Edwardsville does so locally

 

Former Iowa guard Kate Martin concluded her college tenure (2019-2024) with impressive stats: 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, 473 assists, 148 steals, and 70 blocks in 163 games played.

She holds the distinction of being the sole player in the program’s history to amass at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals, and 60 blocks.

College basketball star Martin will attend the Las Vegas training camp beginning April 28.

In an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Kate expressed her anticipation of hearing her name called and emphasized her desire for an opportunity.

“I was here to support Caitlin [Clark], but I was hoping to hear my name called and all I wanted was an opportunity and I got it so I’m really excited.”


Martin will face Clark on Tuesday, July 2, at T-Mobile Arena when the Aces host the Fever at 7 p.m.

Preseason games will commence on May 3, followed by the regular season on May 14.