50 Facts About Kate Martin

Early Life and High School Achievements

Kate Martin's journey to the WNBA began in a small town in Illinois. Her early years were filled with sports and achievements that set the stage for her future success.

1. Birthdate and Place: Kate Martin was born on June 5, 2000, in Edwardsville, Illinois.
2. High School: She attended Edwardsville High School, where she excelled in both basketball and volleyball.
3. AAU Basketball: Martin joined her local AAU basketball program in fourth grade and played for the Blue Star St. Louis (now known as the Napheesa Collier Elite) throughout high school.
4. Middle School Achievements: In seventh grade, she led her basketball team to the 2012 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 4A state championship game, where they lost by three points in the final. Her volleyball team also won the 2013 seventh-grade IESA Class 4A state championship in straight sets.
5. High School Basketball: Martin’s basketball team claimed victory at the 2013 eighth-grade IESA Class 4A state championship, finishing with an undefeated 28–0 season. Her volleyball team placed third at the 2014 eighth-grade state championship.
6. Varsity Volleyball: She played four years of varsity volleyball as an outside hitter at Edwardsville High School. Her team won 108 games, two Southwest Conference (SWC) titles, two regional championships, and a sectional championship. She finished her high school volleyball career with a new school record for career block assists (194) and was named to the All-SWC first-team her senior year.

College Career at Iowa

Kate's college years at Iowa were marked by leadership, impressive stats, and memorable moments. She played alongside some of the best and helped her team reach new heights.

7. College Basketball: Martin played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes. She was a four-year captain and played alongside two-time national player of the year, Caitlin Clark.
8. College Achievements: In her senior year, she helped lead Iowa to their first national championship game. The following year, Iowa returned to the national title game, showcasing her consistent leadership and performance.
9. Leadership Role: Her teammates and coaches often referred to her as "The Glue" due to her leadership and ability to hold the team together.
10. Statistical Achievements: During her college career, Martin averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game with a career-high 50.7% field goal percentage. She started 139 consecutive games with Caitlin Clark, the longest streak in Division I in the last 25 years. She finished her career at Iowa with 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, and 473 assists in 163 games.
11. Awards and Recognition: In February 2024, Martin was named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale USBWA Women's National Player of the Year watchlist. Although she lost the award to her teammate Caitlin Clark, she earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the conference's coaches and media in March 2024. She was also named the Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree for Iowa women's basketball.
12. Education: Martin completed her bachelor's degree in sports and recreation management at the University of Iowa in May 2022. She began working on her master’s degree after completing her undergraduate degree.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Beyond the court, Kate Martin has a vibrant personal life filled with unique hobbies and interests. Her personality shines through in everything she does.

13. Personal Life: Kate is the youngest of three children born to Jill and Matt Martin. Her siblings are Kennedy (28) and Trevor (25).
14. Unique Personality: Her parents describe her as unique, noting that she had an electric motorcycle and would wear a bandana while riding it. She was known for her energetic and outgoing personality, often visiting neighbors to shoot pool.
15. Early Interest in Sports: Sports came naturally to Martin. She was a quarterback and linebacker on a tackle football team in elementary school, enjoying the contact on defense.
16. Hobbies: When not dominating the court, Kate loves exploring the outdoors by hiking and water skiing. She also enjoys traveling and has visited places like Capri, Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and Belize.
17. Debut on Saturday Night Live: In April 2024, Kate appeared in the closing credits of an episode of Saturday Night Live alongside her Iowa teammates Caitlin Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Jada Gyamfi. This appearance was a memorable moment for Kate, following her close friend Caitlin's surprise appearance on Weekend Update.
18. Future Aspirations: Beyond her WNBA dreams, Kate aims to follow in the footsteps of her head coach Lisa Bluder by becoming a coach herself. She hopes to inspire future players just as her coaches inspired her.

Professional Career and Achievements

Kate's professional career took off when she was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces. Her impact on the court and her popularity off it have been remarkable.

19. Draft Experience: Kate was unexpectedly drafted to the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces as the 18th pick in the WNBA Draft. She initially went to the draft to support her teammate and close friend Caitlin Clark but ended up snatching up her dream too.
20. Nickname "The Glue": The nickname "The Glue" was given to Kate by her fellow Iowa teammates for being the heartbeat and hard-nosed captain of the team. This nickname stuck with Iowa fans and was often used by coach Lisa Bluder to describe her leadership role.
21. College Leadership: Coach Lisa Bluder praised Martin's leadership, calling her "The Glue" in a 2022 post-game press conference. Bluder noted that Kate holds the team together, serving as both captain and leader.
22. Statistical Comparison: Despite limited minutes on the court in 2024, Kate Martin's jersey sales ranked her in the top 5 of merchandise sales, surpassing teammate A’ja Wilson and other notable players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
23. Endorsements: Kate Martin has been active on the endorsement front, partnering with brands such as HEYDUDE Shoes, Estela’s Fresh Mex, Mel Foster Co., RAYGUN, and Zimmerman Honda. She also announced a partnership with American Eagle Outfitters on social media in September 2024.
24. NIL Valuation: Before her WNBA career, Kate Martin’s NIL valuation was at $73,000. Her endorsement deals significantly increased her net worth, making her one of the most marketable rookies in the league.
25. Contract Details: Kate signed a 4-year, $297,045 contract with the Las Vegas Aces. Her average annual salary is $74,261, and in her rookie year, she earned a base salary of $67,249 with a cap hit of $67,249.
26. Rookie Performance: Despite limited playing time, Kate Martin has made a significant impact on the court and off it. Her leadership and popularity have contributed to her rising net worth and jersey sales.
27. Fan Base: Kate Martin’s fans are hilariously but aptly called the "Martinis." The name was suggested by Kate herself after a game against the Atlanta Dream on May 31, 2024. A month later, she worked with Iowa-based T-shirt company RAYGUN to release a "Martini" fan club T-shirt.
28. Merchandise Sales: In the first half of the 2024 season, Kate Martin landed in the top 5 of merchandise sales. She was even above teammate A’ja Wilson, who ranked fifth. The other three were Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Sabrina Ionescu.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Kate's leadership extends beyond the court. Her involvement in community programs and her aspirations to coach reflect her dedication to giving back.

29. Leadership Style: Kate’s leadership style is characterized by her hard-nosed approach and ability to hold the team together. Her teammates praise her for doing "dirty work" that doesn't show up on the stat sheet or in news articles.
30. Personal Motivation: Kate Martin’s motivation stems from her desire to push off adulting and continue playing basketball. She decided not to be done with her basketball career, aiming to reach the pinnacle of women’s basketball.
31. Team Performance: The 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes team, led by Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark, had a remarkable season. They finished as NCAA runners-up, the deepest run in Iowa history. The following season, they started 14-1 and ranked No. 4 in the nation heading into a game at Rutgers.
32. Offensive Numbers: Kate Martin’s offensive numbers are career highs. She averaged 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 54.1% and free-throw percentage of 87.9%.
33. Intangibles: Kate’s uncommon intangibles, such as her leadership and work ethic, have not suffered despite her transition to the WNBA. These qualities make her a valuable asset to the Las Vegas Aces.
34. Community Involvement: Kate is involved in various community programs, including the "So You Want To Be A Coach" program of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. She was part of the 21st class of this program, showcasing her commitment to coaching and community service.
35. Coaching Aspirations: Beyond her playing career, Kate aims to become a coach. She hopes to inspire future players just as her coaches inspired her. This aspiration reflects her dedication to the sport and her desire to give back to the community.

Fun Facts and Personal Interests

Kate's life isn't all about basketball. She has a range of interests and hobbies that make her a well-rounded and fascinating individual.

36. Travel and Exploration: When not playing basketball, Kate enjoys traveling and exploring new places. She has visited Capri, Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and Belize, showcasing her adventurous spirit.
37. Hiking and Water Skiing: Kate loves hiking and water skiing. These hobbies allow her to stay active and enjoy nature, providing a much-needed break from the demands of professional basketball.
38. Rock Band Fan: Kate is a fan of the video game Rock Band. This interest reflects her fun and playful personality, which is appreciated by her teammates and fans alike.
39. Motorcycle Enthusiast: Kate had an electric motorcycle and would wear a bandana while riding it. This unique hobby showcases her adventurous and energetic personality.
40. Pool Shooting: She enjoyed shooting pool and would often visit neighbors to play. This hobby highlights her social and outgoing nature.
41. Tattoo Interest: In her younger years, Kate wanted to be a tattoo artist. This interest reflects her creative side and willingness to explore different passions.
42. Family Support: Kate’s family has always been supportive of her career. Her parents, Jill and Matt Martin, have been instrumental in her development as an athlete and individual.
43. Sibling Influence: Growing up with siblings Kennedy and Trevor has influenced Kate’s personality and work ethic. Her siblings have played a significant role in toughening her up and preparing her for the demands of professional sports.
44. Early Riding Skills: Kate learned how to ride a bike at the age of three without training wheels. This early skill development reflects her natural ability and eagerness to learn new things.
45. Middle School State Championship: In seventh grade, Kate led her basketball team to the 2012 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 4A state championship game, where they lost by three points in the final. This experience taught her the importance of perseverance and teamwork.
46. Volleyball State Championship: Her volleyball team won the 2013 seventh-grade IESA Class 4A state championship in straight sets. This victory showcased her versatility as an athlete and her ability to excel in multiple sports.
47. High School Basketball State Championship: In eighth grade, Kate’s basketball team claimed victory at the 2013 IESA Class 4A state championship, finishing with an undefeated 28–0 season. This achievement solidified her position as a top player in her high school.
48. College Streak: Kate started 139 consecutive games with Caitlin Clark, the longest streak in Division I in the last 25 years. This streak highlights her dedication and commitment to her team.
49. Career Statistics: During her college career, Kate averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game with a career-high 50.7% field goal percentage. She finished her career at Iowa with 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, and 473 assists in 163 games.
50. Rising Popularity: Despite limited playing time in 2024, Kate Martin’s popularity is expected to increase. Her off-court ventures, including endorsements and community involvement, have significantly contributed to her rising net worth and jersey sales.

Kate Martin: A Rising Star

Kate Martin's journey from Edwardsville, Illinois, to the WNBA is nothing short of inspiring. Her high school and college achievements laid a solid foundation for her professional career with the Las Vegas Aces. Known as "The Glue," Kate's leadership and dedication shine both on and off the court. Her impressive stats, endorsements, and community involvement highlight her multifaceted talent. Kate's aspirations to coach in the future show her commitment to the sport. Whether it's her adventurous spirit, love for travel, or unique hobbies, Kate's personality resonates with fans. Her rising popularity and impact on the game make her a player to watch. As she continues to grow in the WNBA, Kate Martin's story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion. Keep an eye on this rising star; she's just getting started.