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Aces react to losing Kate Martin

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Stacey Mickles | Last updated Dec 7, 2024 1:26 AM ET

The Las Vegas Aces were dealt another blow when it was announced that Kate Martin was taken by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft.

This comes on the heels of losing their long-time general manager and two assistant coaches during the offseason. Naturally, the team was devastated to lose Martin.

The team released this statement:

“The Aces organization first and foremost would like to thank Kate Martin for all of her hard work and dedication to the team this past year. We are proud of Kate and the impact she has made as a member of the Aces team. Although we are sad to see her leave, being selected by Golden State shows the value Kate possesses in this league, and we all wish her nothing but the best as she continues her career with the Valkyries. As with anyone who has been a member of this historic franchise, once an Ace, always an Ace, and Kate will always be a member of the Las Vegas Aces family.”

The news hit the players hard as well. Aj’a Wilson said of Martin: “You are a gem. Now we gotta give you and (Natalie Nakase) 50.”

A’ja Wilson reacts to the Aces losing Kate Martin to the Valkyries:

“You are a gem. Now we gotta give you and (Natalie Nakase) 50.” pic.twitter.com/zeYCkeCeKx

— Callie Fin (@CallieJLaw) December 7, 2024

Martin came into her own as a rookie for the Aces and played a huge part on last year’s team. Although Martin is sad to go, she is looking forward to the challenge of being on a new team.

"I'm very thankful for the Aces and everything I got to learn there, but I'm really excited for this new beginning and to build something from the ground up."

—Kate Martin on being selected by the Valkyries from the Aces pic.twitter.com/r7i3Z73llt

— espnW (@espnW) December 7, 2024