Kate Martin is headed to the WNBA.

Hear from Iowa sixth-year guard Kate Martin ahead of senior day
Following six seasons with the Iowa women’s basketball squad, Martin’s journey took a new turn when she was chosen by the Las Vegas Aces as the 18th overall selection in the latest WNBA Draft held on Monday night. Notably, the Aces have clinched the championship title for the past two consecutive seasons.

Despite not being among the 15 athletes specifically invited to the draft event, Martin found herself in Brooklyn, offering support to her teammate Caitlin Clark, who emerged as the top pick overall. This marks the inaugural instance, under the leadership of head coach Lisa Bluder, where two Hawkeyes have been drafted in the same WNBA Draft.

Martin now links up with former Hawkeye standout Megan Gustafson in the Aces’ roster. Their prior collaboration dates back to the 2018-19 season, a noteworthy period during which Gustafson claimed the National Player of the Year accolade, and the Hawkeyes advanced to the Elite Eight stage.
“All I wanted was an opportunity, and I got it,” Martin told Holly Rowe after her name was called on Monday. “I’m really excited to get there, and I know I’m going to give it all I got.”


Martin played a pivotal role alongside Clark, contributing to Iowa’s consecutive appearances in the national championship games. Hailing from Edwardsville, Illinois, Martin holds the distinction of being the first Iowa women’s basketball player to achieve 900+ points, 500+ rebounds, 400+ assists, 120+ steals, and 60+ blocks over her career. Dubbed ‘The Glue,’ Martin’s leadership qualities are poised to make a significant impact both in the Aces’ locker room and on the court.

During the recent season, Martin ranked as Iowa’s third-highest scorer, boasting an impressive average of 13.1 points per game, along with 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists, marking a career-best performance. Her scoring prowess trailed only behind Clark’s remarkable 31.6 points per game and second-year player Hannah Stuelke’s 14 points per game.

Martin’s draft prospects received a notable boost during postseason engagements, with averages of 13.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game throughout the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament, showcasing her capability to shine under pressure.