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Valkyries Make Disappointing Kate Martin Decision on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 11, 2025 7:57 PM ET

Kate Martin and the WNBA's newest team, the Golden State Valkyries, couldn't get it done in their inaugural preseason game, falling to the Los Angeles Sparks by one point.

On Sunday, the Valkyries had one final shot at their first preseason victory, facing Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena.

Martin, in her Golden State debut on Tuesday, did not have her best outing off the bench. In 18 minutes, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star tallied eight points on 2-of-8 shooting and 1-of-7 from distance, three rebounds and two steals.

Unfortunately for the Valkyries, Martin was unable to play against Phoenix due to a right hand injury, per WNBA writer Sara Jane Gamelli.

"Kate Martin: OUT - Right hand," Gamelli wrote on X.

Final Valkyries injury report:

Stephanie Talbot: OUT - Right quad
Cecilia Zandalasini: OUT - Right foot
Kate Martin: OUT - Right hand

Laeticia Amihere is active.
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) May 11, 2025

Along with Martin, seventh-year forward Stephanie Talbot (right quad) and fourth-year forward Cecilia Zandalasini were also ruled out.

Martin became a fan favorite during her tenure with Iowa, playing alongside Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. She helped guide the Hawkeyes to two straight national championships, but failed to win the title in each.

Selected in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft, Martin spent her rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces. Due to numerous injuries on the team, she earned a key role off the bench under coach Becky Hammon. But when players began to get healthy, her minutes started to decrease.

While many fans expected Martin to receive a starting nod for the Valkyries this season, it appears the team will also have her come off the bench.

Instead, Golden State's starting lineup includes guards Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes, forwards Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings, and center Temi Fagbenle.

Following the preseason finale, the Valkyries will open regular season play on Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET with a rematch against the Sparks. It is unclear whether Martin will be available for Golden State.

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

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