Kate Martin, the 6-foot WNBA guard with a penchant for dramatic transitions, has decided to trade the neon glitz of Las Vegas for the gold-tinted dreams of the Golden State Valkyries. In her first-ever team switch, Martin steps into the uncharted waters of an expansion franchise—a challenge as risky as a buzzer-beater three-pointer but potentially just as rewarding.
But hey, it’s not every day you have your former college coach, who’s now a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame nominee, as your personal hype woman. Lisa Bluder, the Iowa Hawkeyes legend who once coached Martin (and let’s not forget, the phenomenon Caitlin Clark), has no doubts about her protégé’s ability to adapt.
“I’m excited for her to have another opportunity now, and I think she’s excited about it as well,” Bluder said in an interview with The Des Moines Register. Translation? Martin’s ready to turn heads—Valkyries-style.
A Hall of Fame Nominee Drops Knowledge
While Martin is getting used to her new mythical gig, Bluder has her own headlines to contend with: She’s been nominated for the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class. Sharing the nominee list with legends like Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, and Billy Donovan is no small feat, but then again, Bluder isn’t exactly new to extraordinary achievements.
Her final two seasons as Iowa’s head coach? Oh, just back-to-back NCAA national championship game appearances. No big deal.
Reflecting on Martin’s rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces—where she was drafted 18th overall—Bluder had nothing but praise:
“I can’t believe how much publicity was generated. Kate was loved by everybody,” Bluder said. “It’s interesting to see people embrace her love for the game and how hard she plays. Those of us who know Kate personally? We’re not surprised.”
Bluder’s advice to aspiring hoopers is clear: “If you play the game the right way, if you love it, and if you hustle like your jersey’s on fire, people will notice.” Okay, she didn’t exactly say that last part, but you get the drift.
Training Like a Valkyrie
Meanwhile, Martin isn’t wasting a second preparing for the 2025 WNBA season. She’s teamed up with fitness trainer Maxwell Schmarzo, who’s fine-tuning her game with techniques that sound more like the secret moves of a martial artist than basketball drills: maximizing body contact, managing space, and mastering hip-torso disassociation. (Who knew torso coordination could be so crucial?)
Her caption on a recent workout clip says it all: “Let’s. Go.” Short, sweet, and more determined than a rookie fighting for a roster spot.
If the Valkyries are looking for someone to bring firepower to their inaugural season, Martin seems to be answering the call. Her grit, hustle, and commitment to playing “the right way” make her a solid contender for fan favorite, even in a league already overflowing with talent.
The Mythical Move
Transitioning to an expansion team is no walk in the park—it’s more like hiking up a mountain while dribbling a ball. But if anyone can make it look effortless, it’s Martin. As her story intertwines with Bluder’s Hall of Fame journey, one thing is clear: these two know how to keep the spotlight where it belongs—on the love for the game.
So buckle up, WNBA fans. The Valkyries’ 2025 season isn’t just a new chapter—it’s the start of an epic saga. And Kate Martin? She’s poised to be its main protagonist, ready to prove that her move from the Aces isn’t just a change—it’s destiny calling.
