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Kate Martin Reacts to WNBA Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 7:36 PM ET

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Kate Martin shared the WNBA’s 2026 All-Defensive Team announcement on her Instagram story on Friday.

The WNBA released its 2026 All-Defensive Teams list, revealing the First and Second teams.

The All-Defensive Second Team includes Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton and center Kiah Stokes.

Both are former teammates of Martin, who celebrated this achievement by sharing the news in her Instagram stories.

“2026 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team ⤵️ Veronica Burton of the @valkyries Jordin Canada of the @atlantadream Sonia Citron of the @washmystics Breanna Stewart of the @nyliberty Kiah Stokes of the @valkyries #WNBASeason30,” the WNBA post’s caption read.

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Martin first played with Stokes when the former entered the league in 2024 with the Las Vegas Aces. The following year, the Valkyries selected Martin in the WNBA expansion draft, and she and Burton became teammates.

Stokes averaged 1.7 blocks per game this season for the Valkyries, the fourth-best in the league. She led all centers with a defensive rating of 94.5.

Meanwhile, Burton, the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player, averaged 1.6 steals per game for fourth in the WNBA.

Martin has remained friends with her former teammates, and she continues to support them despite no longer being on the same squad.

Martin’s 2026 season was a roller coaster, bouncing between three teams. First, the Valkyries waived her before opening night. She then signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Sparks in May. The former Iowa star played 17 games off the bench for L.A. before getting waived in August.

Martin closed out the season with the Chicago Sky. She joined the team in September and made two appearances. In 19 games this season, she averaged 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds.

The 26-year-old will enter free agency this offseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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