Kate Martin made her WNBA debut with the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, and one moment from the game is going viral. Even South Carolina coach Dawn Staley took to X to react to the moment when Martin blocked a shot attempt by LA Sparks’ Li Yueru.

“Kate Martin is a G!,” Staley wrote


With 7:50 minutes on the clock in the fourth quarter, 6-foot-7 Li Yueru attempted a basket from the paint when 6-foot Kate Martin jumped from behind to push the ball out of bounds. The team and the court erupted in shock after the moment.

Here is the video:

Kate Martin was picked 18th overall during the 2024 WNBA draft by the defending champions, the Aces. Her selection was a shock to many, including Martin herself, who was attending the draft in support of her former lowa teammate, Caitlin Clark.

“There are a lot of emotions right now,” Martin said in an interview on ESPN after the draft. “I’m really happy to be here. I was here to support Caitlin, but I was hoping to hear my name called. All I wanted was an opportunity and I got it. I’m really excited.”

“I’m super excited for the opportunity. I have a really good work ethic.”

Dawn Staley is already recruiting her future champions

Coach Dawn Staley was in attendance at the New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever tip-off in the Big Apple on Saturday. After the game, Staley was seen interacting with winner Breanna Stewart and her daughter Ruby, even extending an offer to play for the Gamecocks.

“I’m offering you your first scholarship,” Staley said.


While Ruby is just two years old, it will be interesting to see if she follows her mother’s footsteps into playing basketball. She has already been attending Liberty’s practice sessions.

For Dawn Staley, this offseason has been productive as she was seen enjoying her third championship win while making moves to create her new roster for the upcoming season. Joyce Edwards, a five-star post player and Madison McDaniel are the incoming freshmen set to join the Gamecocks.

Most of South Carolina’s championship-winning squad will return next season and this automatically makes them the favorites to win a fourth ring. This includes Te-Hina Paopao, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, Chloe Kitts and more.

What do you think are South Carolina’s chances of winning the NCAA title once again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below