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Valkyries Make Final Kate Martin Decision on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 16, 2025 4:29 PM ET

After securing a 1-1 recording during the 2025 WNBA preseason, the Golden State Valkyries are set to play their inaugural regular season game on Friday night, facing the Los Angeles Sparks.

Second-year guard Kate Martin spent her first WNBA season with the Las Vegas Aces, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft. The former Iowa Hawkeyes guard found a role with the Aces at the beginning of the season, but saw her minutes decrease as players returned from injury.

But Martin has found another chance to earn minutes with the Valkyries after being selected in December's expansion draft.

After Martin struggled in Golden State's preseason opener, she was forced to sit out in the second game due to a right hand injury.

On Thursday, just one day before the Valkyries' season opener against the Sparks, Martin was listed as probable due to the same hand injury.

However, hours before the game, she was upgraded to available, per WNBA reporter Sara Jane Gamelli.

Golden State forwards Stephanie Talbot (right quad), Janelle Salaün (rest) and Cecilia Zandalasini (right foot) have all been ruled out.

Golden State Valkyries UPDATED injury report

Stephanie Talbot - OUT - Right Quad

Cecilia Zandalasini - OUT - Right foot

Janelle Salaün – OUT – Rest

Kate Martin - AVAILABLE
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) May 16, 2025

On Friday afternoon, Martin also addressed the media, revealing the excitement surrounding the team as the historic game approaches.

"Yeah, it's very exciting," Martin said. "When we walked in, they're very excited, happy game days all around. You can tell that people are really looking forward to it, and more than anything, front office, the coaches, all of us, we're very, very excited. It’s a historic day, and we’re gonna soak it all in."

“It’s a historic day and we’re gonna soak it all in.” @valkyries fan favorite Kate Martin on tonight’s first-ever game pic.twitter.com/boyOhNVe4N
— Jacob Tobey (@JacobRTobey) May 16, 2025

Martin finished her lone season with Las Vegas averaging 2.6 points on 35.5% from 3-point range, 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 11.5 minutes per game. With her joining the expansion team, Martin could see more playing opportunities this year.

The Valkyries will host the Sparks at Chase Center on Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET.

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

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