Aces Shore Up Defense With Versatile Pick Kate Martin

• She is an American professional basketball player
• She was selected by the Las Vegas Aces with the 18th pick in the 2024 WNBA draft
• She played for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes

Kate Martin is an American professional basketball player who was selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA draft as the 18th overall pick. She was born and raised in Granite City and Edwardsville, Illinois.

She started playing basketball at a young age in recreational leagues and YMCA pick-up games. While basketball was not the only sport she was interested in, she also played tackle football and volleyball.

Her father was a basketball coach and this was a good opportunity for her to train, which she did with her siblings. Every summer, she would attend Junior Hawk and Iowa women’s basketball camps and her dream was to play for them in future.

During her high school years, she played for an NCAA team where she won four regional titles and finished runners-up in the state tournament. She was then recruited by Iowa and she committed to play for the Hawkeyes.

Unfortunately, she suffered an ACL tear in her first season at Iowa and still recovering, she was appointed the captain of the team and helped them reach the 2023 NCAA championship game.

She was recently selected by the Los Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA draft with the 18th overall pick.

Kate Martin’s Personal Life

Kate was born on June 5 2000 in Granite City and she is the youngest in a family of three children. Her parents Matt and Jill were teachers and she started playing at a young age since her father was a coach.

Kate Martin. Photo/People

Initially, she played tackle football in her elementary school and later volleyball. Her father coached her and her siblings’ basketball teams until 7th grade and her 4th grade football team.

She played for Edwardsville High School and she became a three-year starter before committing to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Kate was selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the 18th overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft, which marks the beginning of her professional career.

Kate’s early playing career

Based on her high school experience, she seems to be a well-rounded player with scoring ability, rebounding prowess and some playmaking skills. She committed to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes and she portrayed her leadership qualities and versatility on the court, eventually captaining the team.

At Iowa, Kate won the Iowa Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for three consecutive years and she was a well-respected teammate who displayed excellent sportsmanship. Her achievements suggest significant improvement throughout her college career and contributed in various ways beyond scoring.

Kate was the sixth pick of the second round in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Las Vegas Aces and she will be joining fellow Hawkeye alum Megan Gustafon. 

Kate’s Nickname “The Glue”

She was nicknamed “The Glue” because of the way she contributed to her team’s success at the University of Iowa. She might not be the top scorer or rebounder but she contributed in various ways as the captain, holding the team together.

While playing for the Hawkeyes, she showed her ability to connect with teammates, elevate their performance and keep the team functioning smoothly. Her basketball plays and overall positive impact on the team dynamic were just perfect.

Kate’s selection by the Las Vegas Aces

Kate was selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the 18th overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft, and this could be a result of her performance and commitment at Iowa University. The team has many expectations for the players and most likely, they chose her according to her performance.

Kate Martin. Photo/The Athletic

The team’s coach Laimbeer, a former WNBA champion coach values players who understand the game who can make quick decisions, and who adapt to different situations, which translates to good court awareness and anticipation.

The team’s system also prioritizes players who are coachable and determined to give the team success and according to Martin’s previous plays at Iowa, she is a suitable suit for the team.