Internet Goes Crazy When Kate Martin Plays a Caitlin Clark Rookie Card and Says, “Let’s Go!” Kate Martin’s voice broke through the low hum of her live stream as she yelled three times. The guard for the Golden State Valkyries wasn’t responding to a big contract or a game-winning shot. She was responding to a trading card.
Not just any card, though. The former Iowa standout had just pulled a rookie card of Caitlin Clark, her former college teammate, whose memorabilia has been igniting the sports world. For Martin, it was an instance that fused fandom, friendship, and outright incredulity into a genuine response that swiftly gained widespread attention.
After her first season as a professional, Martin had been relaxing by taking up a new pastime: collecting cards. She had acquired a sealed box from the star’s first WNBA season, just like countless fans who were vying for Clark’s now-famous rookie cards. A few moments later, she was gazing at Clark’s picture on lustrous cardstock, the recognizable Hawkeye-turned-Fever star returning her gaze with that unwavering intensity.
Martin froze, then burst out laughing, the kind of laughter that results from complete astonishment. She held the card up to the camera and exclaimed, “You must be kidding me!” Emojis and heart reactions were all over the chat. A new comment then surfaced on the live stream amidst the confusion: Caitlin Clark herself had joined in.
Clark typed something straightforward but flawless: “Better be a one-touch, Kate.” Clark is renowned for both her court vision and her quick wit. Collectors’ lingo for placing a valuable card directly into a protective case was a nod to keeping the card safe. Martin and her audience burst out laughing and giddy with excitement at the comment.
The conversation encapsulated the allure of this new chapter in women’s basketball history. It’s about the real connections, the shared joy, and the small, human moments that fans get to see in real time, not just what happens on the hardwood. One of the most amazing sports stories of the past year has been Caitlin Clark’s ascent.
She has changed the face of women’s basketball by breaking NCAA scoring records, attracting sellout crowds, and increasing WNBA ratings. Her memorabilia has followed suit, with one autographed edition selling for over $660,000 earlier this year, setting a record for any women’s sports collectible, and rookie cards fetching six figures.
No one is more aware of how much her former teammate has altered the game than Martin, who played with Clark at Iowa and helped guide the Hawkeyes to consecutive Final Fours. Long road trips, years of practice, and innumerable memories that transcend the box scores were all shared by the two.
Later in an interview clip that went viral online, Martin remarked, “It’s crazy to think about.” When you pull a deck of cards, your friend—the one you used to make jokes with in the locker room—is there. Her card is now worth more than most cars.
The moment was symbolic rather than merely humorous or sentimental. It demonstrated the progress made by women’s basketball and the continued interconnectedness of this generation of players. Even though they compete on the court, after the final buzzer sounds, they remain friends, supporters, and fans of each other.
Videos of Martin’s response went viral on X, TikTok, and Instagram in a matter of hours. The authenticity was adored by the fans. It’s the kind of spontaneous moment that serves as a reminder to everyone of the importance of sports, without any sponsors or filters.
What about the card? Martin acted as any collector—and close friend—would. She put it in a case, grinned, and said, “Safe and sound, Caitlin.” It’s the attraction of the year, and not just because of its value. It serves as a reminder of history, friendship, and the enchantment that arises when a game continues to provide long after the season has concluded.
