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Kate Martin Sends Message After Unfortunate Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 8, 2026 9:27 AM ET

Kate Martin improved her numbers in her second season in the WNBA after taking on a more prominent role with the Golden State Valkyries. The former Iowa Hawkeyes guard started her career with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, but she was taken by Golden State in the expansion draft in 2025.

After averaging 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in her rookie season, Martin saw her production increase to 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist in the past campaign.

Martin and the Valkyries made the playoffs in 2025, finishing with a 23-21 record to secure the eighth seed. However, they were swept by the Minnesota Lynx in the first round.

Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) reacts to a call during a WNBA game.Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

This offseason, Martin decided to return to Unrivaled. She was part of Laces BC and played six games in the inaugural season of the 3-on-3 women's basketball league. In 2026, the 25-year-old played for Breeze BC and appeared in 13 games, averaging 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Unfortunately for Martin, while Breeze BC reached the playoffs with a 6-8 record and beat the defending champions Rose BC in the first round, they were eliminated in the semifinals.

Breeze BC lost to eventual champions Mist BC, 73-69. Dominique Malonga led Breeze BC in scoring with 18 points, while Paige Bueckers and Rickea Jackson scored 17 points each. Martin did not play in the contest.

Days after the loss, Martin reflected on the campaign she had with her Unrivaled team and highlighted how thankful she was for the experience. She also shared several photos of herself in action and celebrating with her teammates throughout the season.

"Thankful for these people & @unrivaledbasketball," Martin wrote.

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With her offseason run over, Martin can now focus on her preparations for the 2026 WNBA season. It will certainly be interesting to see if she can take her game to the next level in her third year in the pros.

It's still uncertain if there will be a 2026 campaign or if it will start on time given the current CBA negotiations between the WNBA and the players' association. Regardless, since Martin is still under her rookie contract, she is expected to return to the Valkyries.

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

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