Kate Martin’s rise has been anything but ordinary. From a gritty college career at Iowa to making her mark with the Golden State Valkyries, she’s become a symbol of resilience and determination in the league’s newest franchise.
Her journey has included highs and setbacks, including overcoming injuries that tested her resolve. Yet her versatility and toughness continue to earn her respect, making her a vital piece of a team eager to build its identity.
More than her on‑court skills, she brings leadership and an undeniable competitive edge. As she navigates life as a young pro in a growing franchise, her story blends ambition, recovery and the promise of a bright future in the WNBA.
How old is Kate Martin?
Kate Martin was born on June 5, 2000, making her 25 years old heading into the 2025 WNBA season. After a five-year collegiate career at Iowa, she entered the pro ranks as a second-round pick by Las Vegas in 2024, now embracing a larger role with the expansion Valkyries.
Her youth contrasts with her mature on-court presence—offering both room for growth and a level head when expectations rise. At 25, she’s past rookie uncertainty and entering a phase where consistency becomes the foundation of her value in San Francisco.
How tall is Kate Martin?
Listed at 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) and around 172 pounds, Kate Martin carries a guard’s versatility with some physical heft. Her size allows her to guard multiple positions, crash the glass, and hit perimeter shots with confidence.
Kate Martin’s love life
Kate Martin keeps her personal world largely private, though media attention has touched on her relationship with her girlfriend Claire Gransee, whom she publicly referenced in social media in the wake of her expansion draft move to San Francisco.
Raised in Edwardsville, Illinois by a family of educators, she credits her close-knit upbringing and her older sister’s influence in shaping her leadership and humility. She prefers authenticity over spotlight, engaging fans but tightly safeguarding her private life.
Kate Martin’s injury
While at Edwardsville High School, Kate Martin tore the ACL in her left knee during a 2018 practice and missed the following season—an early setback that forced resilience early in her basketball journey.
Since entering college and the WNBA, she’s avoided major injury setbacks—but in July 2025 she has been a healthy scratch in a few games, sparking speculation about minor knocks or rotation choices rather than long-term physical concerns.
What is Kate Martin’s jersey number?
Kate Martin wears number 20 for the Golden State Valkyries—her NBA.com/Espn-listed jersey tag and visual identity on the court. The number links her to her role as a glue-player and defensive presence on a team building its identity from launch.
Fans quickly recognized her year-one season as a top-seller in the WNBA, making #20 a symbol of community connection and affirmation of her rising star status within the expansion franchise.
Kate Martin’s career highlights
- WNBA Draft Night Shock (2024, 18th Overall Pick): In April 2024, Martin boarded a flight to Brooklyn to support her friend Caitlin Clark — only to be drafted herself by the Las Vegas Aces at No. 18 in the second round. Her surprise selection became one of the draft’s most memorable moments.
- Made the Aces Opening Roster and Showed Early Promise: Despite deep backcourt competition, she earned a place on Las Vegas’ roster and logged 34 appearances—including 11 min per game as a rookie. Her strong defense and corner shooting impressed coaches and teammates alike.
- Expansion Pick by Valkyries and Instant Fan Favorite: Golden State selected Martin in December’s expansion draft. Her engaging personality and genuine style made her one of WNBA’s early breakout figures, with fans quickly rallying behind her as the Valkyries’ emerging identity.
- Commissioner’s Cup Breakthrough — 14 in One Quarter (June 1, 2025): Against Minnesota in the Cup opener, Martin poured in all 14 of her points in one quarter—hitting a four-point play and firing from deep—all while energizing Chase Center with her clutch performance.
- Career-High 21 Points in Fourth Quarter Heroics (June 25, 2025): In a tight loss to the Liberty, Martin erupted for 21 points—14 in the final frame—draining corner threes and staying poised under pressure, even as her team fell short. It marked her arrival as a go-to scorer.
- Evolving into a Trustworthy Glue Player in Golden State: Teammates and media highlight her as a heat-seeking role player who does the little things — setting screens, defending across positions, and bringing infectious effort every night. She’s referred to as the team’s “glue” and moral center.
- Improved Efficiency in Transition and Spot-Up Shooting: Versatility defines her 2025: enhanced transition scoring (1.09 points per possession vs 0.77 in 2024), disciplined perimeter shooting, and improved body control at the rim—all part of her growing offensive toolkit.
- Considered a Top Most Improved Candidate in 2025: Analysts shortlist Martin as a potential Most Improved Player contender—her expanded role, strong production, and familiarity with coach Natalie Nakase have aligned support for a breakout season.