The Las Vegas Aces don’t just dominate on the court; they dominate the art of team bonding, too. When it comes to blending rookies into the mix, A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ MVP and all-around comedic genius, takes her mentorship seriously—well, sort of. Her methods include everything from collegiate banter to bets that border on public humiliation (in the most stylish way possible, of course).
The Rookie Hazing Chronicles: Kate Martin vs. A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson, who’s as much of a queen off the court as she is on it, recently recounted her favorite rookie initiation moment involving Kate Martin, the Aces’ second-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The stakes? Pride, team loyalty, and, apparently, a South Carolina Gamecocks sweatsuit.
Wilson, a proud alum of the Gamecocks, couldn’t resist rubbing her collegiate roots in Martin’s face. And why not? South Carolina handed Martin’s Iowa Hawkeyes a stinging 87-75 loss in the 2024 NCAA Championship Game. “It’s the bet—you can’t say no,” Wilson laughed during a guest spot on the Roommates Show. Oh, and Martin couldn’t even dodge it. This wasn’t just rookie hazing; it was a spectacle.
Martin, dubbed “the glue” for her uncanny ability to keep things chill, had to don the bright, in-your-face white Gamecocks gear. She wore it like a badge of honor—or at least a badge of trying not to cry inside. Fans on social media were quick to chime in, with one follower quipping, “Either Kate lost a bet, or A’ja Wilson is holding her family hostage.”
Kate Martin: The Rookie Who Took It All in Stride
Despite the mild embarrassment, Martin didn’t falter. Sure, her rookie stats—2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game—might not scream star player just yet, but her grit and defense have been enough to make Aces coach Becky Hammon take notice.
“She’s tough, no doubt,” Hammon remarked after Martin shook off an ankle injury. “For her not to come back means it’s gotta be bad, but she’ll bounce back. Tough cookies crumble, but they don’t shatter.”
Martin isn’t just surviving; she’s thriving. From hazing to handshakes, she’s proving she’s more than just a second-round pick.
The Viral Finding Nemo Moment
If the sweatsuit hazing wasn’t enough to make headlines, Martin and Wilson have now taken their bond to TikTok-level fame with a handshake inspired by Finding Nemo. Yes, you read that right—two professional athletes channeling animated fish.
“It popped up on my timeline, and I was like, ‘We HAVE to do this,’” Wilson explained. The handshake—complete with flipper flaps and “just keep swimming” vibes—spread across social media faster than you can say “rookie of the year.”
Veteran Leadership or Comedy Central?
Wilson’s approach to rookie initiation walks the perfect line between “let’s be a family” and “let’s embarrass the new kid for fun.” But that’s the beauty of her leadership. She doesn’t just mentor; she engages. Whether it’s through quirky bets, viral handshakes, or a well-timed zinger, Wilson’s ability to make everyone feel like part of the team is exactly what makes the Las Vegas Aces such a force.
As for Kate Martin? She’s officially earned her stripes—or, in this case, her sweatsuit. And if her rookie season is any indication, this might just be the start of a long and memorable career in the WNBA.
After all, if you can survive A’ja Wilson’s rookie hazing and do the Nemo handshake in front of millions, you can survive anything.
