Kate Martin’s WNBA journey reads like a script for a sports drama with unexpected twists and a lot of popcorn-worthy moments. The former Iowa Hawkeye standout is set to make her mark with the Golden State Valkyries, a shiny new addition to the league. Let’s just say the spotlight is about to get a whole lot brighter.
After a rather humbling rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces—11.5 minutes per game, 2.6 points, and a vibe check from seasoned pros—Martin is now suiting up for a team that has no baggage. Why? Because they have no history. It’s a blank slate for the Valkyries, and Martin is poised to write some bold headlines, preferably in permanent ink.
Her new head coach, Natalie Nakase, isn’t a stranger to high-pressure situations. Having served as an assistant coach with the Aces from 2022 to 2024, Nakase has seen championship-level basketball up close. If Martin thought her training sessions were intense, wait until Nakase starts drawing plays in her notebook of destiny.
Training Day: Tennis Balls and Tough Love
Forget flashy gyms or courtside glamour. Martin has been grinding in what can only be described as basketball boot camp with trainer Maxwell Schmarzo. His methods? Part mad scientist, part motivational guru, and fully unconventional.
Schmarzo recently shared snippets of their sessions on Instagram, showing Martin chasing tennis balls like a caffeinated golden retriever. Apparently, this is all about improving her change of pace. Who knew agility training could look like an episode of America’s Funniest Home Videos?
But wait, there’s more. After zig-zagging around cones in shooting drills and fine-tuning her traditional shooting form, Martin hit the weights. Schmarzo described the regimen as “explosive through a vertical pattern.” Translation: jumping higher than your Wi-Fi bill.
“We lift, we compete, and we get better,” Schmarzo captioned the video. Of course, he left out “we sweat enough to fill a kiddie pool,” but you get the idea.
A Golden Start for the Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries didn’t stop with Martin. Their expansion draft haul also included championship-caliber players like Temi Fagbenle, Iliana Rupert, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kayla Thornton. Basically, they’re building the basketball equivalent of Ocean’s Eleven, but with fewer heists and more pick-and-rolls.
Their inaugural game against the Los Angeles Sparks is already circled on every fan’s calendar. For Martin, it’s a chance to prove she’s more than just a bench player from the Aces. For the Valkyries, it’s an opportunity to flex their fresh roster and signal that they’re not here to just “develop.”
The question is, will Martin rise to the occasion? If her Instagram-worthy workouts are any indication, she’s ready to channel her inner Valkyrie and make a thunderous impact.
Get ready, WNBA fans. May can’t come soon enough.
