Kate Martin Accepts a Change in Role with Valkyries: “I Just Want to Help Us Win” and Remains Locked In for Year 2 San Francisco — When the final buzzer sounds, Kate Martin isn’t the kind to look at the box score first.
Martin has played a variety of roles in her second season with the Golden State Valkyries, with some games seeing her log substantial minutes and others seeing her come off the bench in spurts. However, Martin has never focused on the numbers.
After practice on Tuesday, Martin remarked, “I just want to help us win.” “I’m focused on whatever the team needs, whether that’s making baskets, guarding the best player on the opposing team for a few possessions, or just providing energy from the bench.”
Martin is a favorite among fans and in the locker room because of this mentality. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon has praised her for her willingness to put in the extra effort, including sprinting back on defense, setting hard screens, and fighting for rebounds.
”Kate is a pro’s pro,” Weatherspoon remarked. Regardless of how many minutes she works, she always arrives at work prepared to work. For a young team that is still figuring itself out, that consistency is priceless. Rotations may vary from game to game because Golden State is primarily depending on its youthful core in Year 2.
This is familiar ground for a player like Martin, who was a key component of Iowa during the program’s historic run. She is accustomed to making last-minute adjustments and complying with requests to maintain group cohesion. Colleagues have taken note of her strategy.
One teammate remarked, “She’s steady.” “You can be sure that Kate will put forth effort, communicate, and make the right play if she’s on the floor. In close games, that stuff counts. Martin’s influence extends beyond the court as well.
Her blue-collar attitude has inspired her fans in San Francisco, who frequently chant her name after hustle plays. Videos of her sprinting up the bench after a big stop or diving for loose balls abound on social media.
That’s exactly what Martin wanted: an opportunity to help create a culture that appreciates grit just as much as highlights. “Being here is a blessing,” she remarked. “This league is challenging, but that’s part of its appeal. Your moment could arrive at any time, so you must always be prepared. All I’m concerned with is being prepared and giving it my all.
