New year, new drama—or at least new Instagram-worthy vibes! Golden State Valkyries’ rising star Kate Martin decided to drop her delayed-but-dazzling 2024 recap post on Instagram, and let’s just say, the lovefest that followed was anything but subtle. From Caitlin Clark’s simple-yet-loaded “Love” comment to Kate’s girlfriend Claire Gransee adding her signature flair with a ‘cat pout’ emoji, this post had everything but a red carpet.
A Year to Remember—With a Side of Nostalgia
In true #ThrowbackThursday-but-on-a-Monday fashion, Martin shared a montage of her 2024 highlights. The carousel was a mix of basketball milestones, cherished moments with Claire and Caitlin, and snapshots of her Iowa days with former teammates.
Her caption? The perfect blend of sappy and sassy:
“I’d go everywhere with these folks, including into year ’25 #newyearswag.”
Cue the collective “Awws” and double taps from followers.
Caitlin Clark, who apparently moonlights as an Instagram minimalist, chimed in with her one-word comment: “Love.” Classic Clark, letting her accolades do the talking while her Instagram comments keep it cryptic.
As for Claire Gransee? The Human Resources maven-slash-social-media-scene-stealer took to her Instagram story to re-share the post with her emoji game on point. Who needs a novel when a cat pout says it all?
From College Teammates to Pro Powerhouses
Let’s rewind for a second. Martin, Clark, and Gransee all hail from their Iowa Hawkeye days, though Gransee, to no one’s surprise, traded court battles for corporate ladders. She’s now working as an HR associate at Publicis Sapient in Boston—likely mediating boardroom battles instead of buzzer-beaters.
Clark and Martin, however, continued their basketball trajectories with careers that now read like sports movie scripts. Clark bagged the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and was crowned Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year—the first women’s basketball player to earn the title. Somewhere out there, G.O.A.T. debates are heating up.
Martin’s journey, though less flashy, has been equally compelling. After a stint with the Las Vegas Aces, she became the Golden State Valkyries’ franchise centerpiece via the expansion draft. Translation? The Valkyries just handed her the keys and said, “Don’t crash the car.”
2025: The Year of Big Moves (and Bigger Expectations)
Clark and Martin’s paths are set for potentially groundbreaking seasons. Clark’s heading into her second WNBA season with the Indiana Fever under new coach Stephanie White, and she’s gunning for that elusive championship ring.
Meanwhile, Martin is stepping into her leading-lady era with the Valkyries. Forget sidekick status; the spotlight is all hers now.
As for Claire Gransee? Well, she’ll likely keep serving as the unofficial PR guru and number-one cheerleader for her girlfriend while racking up LinkedIn endorsements for “excellent emoji usage.”
The Internet Reacts
Social media predictably erupted over Martin’s post, and the reactions ranged from sentimental to sarcastic:
- “Kate Martin’s ‘25 plans? Steal hearts and break ankles.”
- “Claire’s emoji choice is elite. Forget basketball; this is relationship goals.”
- “Caitlin Clark’s comment is the verbal equivalent of a no-look pass. Effortlessly iconic.”
One thing’s clear: if 2024 was about setting the stage, 2025 might just be the blockbuster sequel we didn’t know we needed.
