After suffering a back injury in a late-game collision, Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin has been listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Washington Mystics. Martin and guard Leïla Lacan collided while Martin was chasing a loose ball in the final minutes of the Valkyries’ arduous victory over the Connecticut Sun. She held her lower back in agony and grimaced instantly before being replaced for the last possessions.
The 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes alum, known as “the glue,” has established herself as one of the WNBA’s most reliable role players, frequently igniting momentum swings with timely rebounds, deflections, and corner three-pointers. “Kate’s as tough as they come,” said head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, after the game, adding that Martin was undergoing further evaluation. “She wanted to get right back out there, but we have to be smart. We’ll know more after she’s had a full assessment.” Martin’s absence, even for a single game, could be felt on multiple levels.
Her injury occurs at a crucial juncture in the Valkyries’ campaign. Every victory counts as the team fights for a postseason spot in the crowded Western Conference. Martin has contributed significant minutes off the bench and been a vocal leader both on and off the court, making him a crucial rotational player. When she checks in at Chase Center, her name is frequently chanted by fans who have embraced her unwavering effort. Supporters of Valkyries swiftly overflowed social media timelines with inspirational posts. Caitlin Clark, a former college teammate, even called Martin “one of the toughest people I know” in a comment on one post. As she undergoes treatment in the hopes of playing against Washington, that fortitude will be put to the test.
The Valkyries will likely rely more on rookie guard Kaitlyn Chen and seasoned wing Laeticia Amihere to cover for Martin if he is unable to play. Still, the team is hopeful that her injury is minor and that she can return quickly. For the time being, everyone’s attention will be on the injury report and whether Kate Martin’s trademark hustle will return when the Valkyries play the Mystics.
