Kate Martin, aka “The Glue,” is proving yet again why she’s a fan favorite among Iowa Hawkeyes basketball loyalists. Known for her hustle, clutch corner threes, and the uncanny ability to hold a team together like duct tape on a leaky pipe, Martin celebrated the new year by sharing a throwback snap on Instagram with her beloved teammates.
Her caption? Pure gold:
“I’d go everywhere with these folks, including into year ’25 #newyearswag.”
And honestly, who wouldn’t want to start their year surrounded by Caitlin Clark, Jada Gyamfi, Monika Czinano, and Gabbie Marshall? Sprinkle in Martin’s girlfriend Claire Gransee, her sister Kennedy Martin-Cable, and her brother-in-law Shawn Cable, and you’ve got a reunion that screams “Hawkeye Family Goals.”
A Career Held Together by Nose Tape
Martin’s toughness on the court is the stuff of legend. Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder famously described her as a “warrior” after Martin valiantly battled through a Final Four game against UConn in 2024 — while nursing what felt like her millionth broken nose.
“She’s broken her nose every single year she’s been here,” Bluder said, possibly while shaking her head in both admiration and disbelief. “She’s the heart and soul of this team.”
Not to mention, Martin’s grit and three-point finesse earned her a new nickname during her WNBA rookie season: Kate “Money” Martin. Props to Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon for the branding. Few can step into a high-pressure WNBA moment and nail it like Martin.
Golden State Valkyries: The Next Chapter
As if 2024 wasn’t big enough for Martin, her basketball odyssey takes an exciting twist this season. She’s headed to the league’s shiny new expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. Fun fact: Valkyries not only sounds intimidating but also perfectly matches Martin’s warrior-like ethos. Expect to see her bringing that signature blend of hustle, leadership, and timely buckets to the Bay Area.
Draft Night Shenanigans: The Accidental Rookie
In a move straight out of a rom-com script, Martin attended the 2024 WNBA Draft just to support her bestie Caitlin Clark, who everyone knew was going No. 1. What Martin didn’t see coming? Hearing her own name called in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces.
Talk about a plot twist. One minute you’re cheering in the audience, the next, you’re getting fitted for a jersey. Martin played it cool (as cool as someone with a freshly broken nose can), but the entire Hawkeye fandom collectively lost its mind.
Caitlin and Kate: Frenemies with a Twist
Now, don’t let their WNBA rivalry fool you. Martin and Clark might be squaring off on the court these days, but their friendship is tighter than a full-court press. Clark has made it clear that Martin’s leadership shaped her own journey at Iowa, while Martin never misses a chance to remind everyone that Clark’s talent is a cheat code.
When asked about their bond, Martin once joked, “Caitlin’s the talent, I’m the vibes.” Fair enough, Kate. Fair enough.
New Year, Same Hawkeye Love
As Martin starts a new chapter with the Valkyries, one thing is crystal clear: her bond with her former Hawkeyes teammates is unshakable. Whether it’s posting nostalgic Instagram photos or taking friendly digs at each other during interviews, Martin keeps proving that some teammates are for life—even if you’ve broken your nose more times than you can count along the way.
So, here’s to Kate Martin, Caitlin Clark, and the rest of the Hawkeye squad. If 2025 is anything like this crew, it’s bound to be one for the highlight reels.
