Kate Martin was chosen by the Las Vegas Aces during the 2024 WNBA draft’s second round, securing the 18th overall spot. Subsequently, she bid farewell to Iowa with a sincere message on Instagram.

After spending six seasons with the lowa Hawkeyes, she expressed her fondness for the team’s former home ground, the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Martin shared a photo of the arena on Instagram accompanied by the following caption: “Home. Carver will be missed.” Martin, a native of Edwardsville, Illinois, had aspired to join the lowa Hawkeyes since she was five years old. Her parents, who currently reside in Quad Cities, disclosed that they had initially wished for her to be selected to play alongside Caitlin Clark (who was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever).

However, they are happy that Martin has been picked by the Las Vegas Aces: “Caitlin was over last night, and we were packing. I said, ‘Are you guys sad about all this?” Kate’s mother Jill Martin said (via Essentially Sports). “They said no. They are fine with it. They are excited about it. I think it will be fun for them to play against each other.” Kate Martin has lots of family from the Quad Cities area including her parents who moved back recently. The family gathered in Milan tonight to watch the WNBA Draft. Look at the elation when they watched

The lowa Hawkeyes have consistently finished as NCAA championships runner-up, experiencing consecutive losses in 2023 and 2024 to LSU and South Carolina, respectively. In the meantime, Kate Martin’s selection marks her as the 10th graduate of Edwardsville High School to be drafted into a major American sports league since 2000. Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark will square off at T-Mobile Arena.

Former lowa guard Kate Martin concluded her college tenure (2019-2024) with impressive stats: 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, 473 assists, 148 steals, and 70 blocks in 163 games played. She holds the distinction of being the sole player in the program’s history to amass at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals, and 60 blocks. College basketball star Martin will attend the Las Vegas training camp beginning April 28. In an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Kate expressed her anticipation of hearing her name called and emphasized her desire for an opportunity. “I was here to support Caitlin [Clark], but I was hoping to hear my name called and all I wanted was an opportunity and I got it so I’m really excited.” “There are a lot of emotions right now,” Martin said. “I’m really happy to be here. I was here to support Caitlin, but I was hoping to hear my name called. All I wanted was an opportunity and I got it. I’m really excited.