For former Valkyries, Kate Martin’s two words say it all. A teammate Kate Martin, a guard for the Golden State Valkyries, has never been afraid to stand up for those in her immediate vicinity.
Martin is aware that sometimes the smallest actions have the greatest impact, whether she is motivating her teammates in a huddle or posting a brief message on social media.
When it was announced this week that a former Valkyries teammate had been freed, that was the situation. Even though midseason roster changes are common in the WNBA, it’s never an easy time for the players involved, particularly if relationships have been forged off the court.
Martin posted the straightforward, two-word message, “Keep going,” on her Instagram story. It was not sophisticated or well-written PR language. It was unvarnished, sincere, and just what you would anticipate from a player renowned for her emotional intelligence and presence in the locker room.
Those two words struck a chord. They discussed perseverance, the knowledge that a professional sports career is full of highs and lows, and the conviction that this was only one chapter and not the entire tale.
For months, Martin and the unidentified former teammate had been getting to know one another, practicing together, and sharing victories. It can be heartbreaking to watch a teammate depart in the middle of the season. She made sure they knew they still had someone on their side, though, in typical Kate Martin fashion.
Fans also took notice. Responses on social media praised Martin’s compassion and loyalty. Moments like these serve as a reminder that the human element of the game is just as significant as the statistics and highlights in a league that frequently operates at a breakneck pace.
Measuring a player by minutes played or points scored is simple. However, Martin’s contribution to the Valkyries goes beyond his box score. She is a connector; she infuses practices with vitality, cheers her teammates up after defeats, and evidently continues to support her people even when they are no longer wearing the same jersey.
As the WNBA season progresses, roster changes will occur along with more trades and cuts. However, the message will probably stick with the teammate who read Kate Martin’s two words this week much longer than any game recap. Sometimes all you need to hear is, “Keep going.”
