“She’s been my rock.” This sentiment from Gabbie Marshall captures the essence of Kate Martin’s role on the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team. Known for her unwavering support and understanding of teammates’ sentiments, the guard had become a go-to figure for her squad in Iowa during challenging times. But it of course did not limit her to the Hawkeyes. But the same emotions ran for the family too. This steadfast commitment to relationships could be said to have been reflected in multiple forms. One is her tattoo.

Although not visible a lot of times while the Aces star is playing, Martin has ink on her left arm. The only known tattoo reads “Sunshine” and holds deep personal significance for Martin. It’s not merely an inked phrase. “That’s for my grandma,” Martin explained, highlighting the heartfelt tribute behind the choice.

The tattoo even has a short but sweet story attached. Before her grandmother passed in 2015, she left Martin a final token — a Yahtzee card — with “Sunshine” written on it, a reminder of their shared moments. When Martin was old enough, she had the word inked in her grandmother’s handwriting as a tribute.

Indeed, a touching gesture that Kate Martin did for her grandmother. As the captain of the Iowa Hawkeyes, while her contribution was not as visible in front of their offensive sensation Caitlin Clark, the No. 20 was more than important to keep the emotions and motivation in check for the team. In the final three seasons, the Illinois native led the Iowa Hawkeyes to their first national championship game in 2023. Martin’s influence was instrumental in the team’s impressive journey, as she also played a key role in returning Iowa to the national title game the following year.

But relationships remained in the front seat, driving the skillful athlete.

Kate Martin and her family

Martin is known as “The Glue” in Iowa’s circle. The moniker was given to her since she has a remarkable ability to create a sense of family wherever she goes, a trait evident in the strong bonds she formed during her NCAA days in Iowa and now continuing in the ‘Sin City’.

These very same bonds between Kate Martin, Jada Gyamfii, Gabbie Marshall, and Caitlin Clark could be said to be one of the driving factors behind the success of the Iowa Hawkeyes. In fact, the Fever star herself has been vocal about this bond, stating, “She’s going to have your back every single day.” Emphasizing the deep bond that she shared with Martin, the No. 22 also said, “She’s somebody that’s wired the same way as me. At times that means me and Kate butt heads, but at the end of the day, we know how much we love each other. We step off the court, and it doesn’t matter, we just make each other better.”

Marshall too has spoken of her friendship with Martin, “That just shows the type of person that she is. She can read people so well. If you’re having a bad day or having a bad practice, she’ll text you after like, ‘Let me know if you need to talk.’ She truly brings other people along with her.”

Now at the Las Vegas Aces, Kate Martin has made new bonds. Although she is averaging just 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in limited minutes, her presence on the team is impactful. Despite the challenges of a new environment, Martin has been warmly embraced by her veteran teammates. Practicing alongside stars like A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, she has the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the league and gain invaluable insights that will enhance her skills.

Plum has even given the new kid on the block a nickname after a few crucial threes that the guard made at the beginning of the season. Then, she had said, “Kate Money Martin. I Love That Kid!” According to the Olympic gold medalist, the second-round pick is a sponge and curious to ask questions and learn. Something any vet would want in their team’s future handler.

At the same time, Wilson exemplifies this sense of kinship, especially when she spoke out during Martin’s injury in July, stating, “I’m gonna take care of my rookie no matter what.” She emphasized the importance of their bond, saying, “She’s one of us, our sister, and someone we will always depend on. We want to protect her peace, her mental health, and her emotions.”

Martin’s strong connection with her teammates everywhere has not only helped her but also the team itself. In fact, her jersey ranked among the top five best-selling in the league, even above Wilson who came in fifth. From here, it will only be more interesting to see how the guard hones her skills and continues to build bonds wherever she goes.