The Golden State Valkyries have officially picked their first 11 players in the WNBA expansion draft, and they’ve snagged some serious talent. Among them is a name that stands out—Kate Martin. Head coach Natalie Nakase, who worked with Martin last season in Las Vegas and knows a thing or two about how a championship is bagged after winning two titles as an assistant coach under Becky Hammon, already has a clear plan for this team.

“We’re trying to build a very, very competitive culture,” Nakase said. “We’re going to play fast-paced, and obviously, we’re going to shoot some threes. That’s what we’re going to do.” That strategy might mirror the Golden State Warriors style, which is all about ball movement and shooting, thanks to the likes of Steph Curry.

But now, Nakase is looking to replicate that kind of success, and Kate Martin, who is set to make $68,595 in the 2025 season, is going to be a key piece in that plan. The 6-foot guard has been a consistent shooter, averaging 35.5% from beyond the arc in both her college and W career.

Her 3-point shooting, alongside her numbers from her NCAA days at Iowa, must have made her an appealing pick for the Valkyries. At Iowa, she wrapped up her career with over 1,200 points, nearly 800 rebounds, and over 400 assists, and she’s the only player in the program’s history to notch 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals, and 60 blocks. 

However, the head coach isn’t just picking players for their numbers. She’s got some non-negotiables for her players. “They have to be ultra-competitive,” she said before the Draft. “They have to really love winning, and they have to hate to lose. They have to be high-character, always willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the team, and they must have a never-satisfied mindset.” 

These are the qualities she’s looking for, and Martin ticks all those boxes. Now, speaking of her journey, she’s coming off a rookie season with the Aces, where she showed flashes of brilliance. While her minutes were limited after Chelsea Gray returned from injury, the 2024 draftee still averaged 4.5 points in 18.7 minutes per game before that. 

But after Gray’s return, her numbers dropped. However, along with the stats, she is a fan favorite. She ranked No. 4 in WNBA jersey sales in July. She has a huge following, and people are excited to see what she’ll bring to the Valkyries. And so are her fellow hoopers.

Former teammates cheer Kate Martin as she joins the Golden State Valkyries

Undoubtedly, no one knows Kate Martin and her skills better than Caitlin Clark. They have a bond forged through years of playing together at Iowa, and Clark couldn’t hold back her excitement when the Golden State Valkyries announced Martin as one of their picks in the WNBA expansion draft. “Let’s go, Kater!!!” CC shared on her Instagram story.

These two have always been each other’s biggest cheerleaders, on and off the court. But it wasn’t just Clark singing Martin’s praises. A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP, had nothing but love for her former rookie teammate. “My baby, so happy for you! You’re a gem,” Wilson penned.

The Iowa alumna certainly made an impression in her short time with the Aces, even if her minutes dwindled later in the season. Additionally, her old Iowa mate and bestie Gabby Marshall sent her heartfelt wishes with a comment, “I love Kate Martin.” 

The baller didn’t get the spotlight she might have wanted during her rookie year with the Aces. But that’s part of the learning curve. Now, with the Valkyries, the guard has a fresh start and a “golden” opportunity to shine in Season 2. GS is building something special, and Martin fits into the culture Natalie Nakase is cultivating. If she plays her cards right, this could be the breakout season she’s been waiting for.