Valkyries' Unexpected Kate Martin Decision is Trending

When the Golden State Valkyries took Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces in the expansion draft, there were high expectations that she would have a bigger role on the team.

However, during the offseason, the possibility of Martin playing a bench role and fighting for minutes against other guards on the roster emerged. After all, the Valkyries also have both Tiffany Hayes and Julie Vanloo.

That possibility further intensified when Martin didn't start in their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks. She also missed their second preseason showdown against the Connecticut Sun, which made it look unlikely she would get a starting role.

With that said, it came as a surprise when the Valkyries named Martin to their starting unit for their first regular-season game in franchise history on Friday.

Martin got the start alongside Hayes, Temi Fagbenle, Kayla Thornton and Veronica Burton as they faced off against the Sparks.