From Hawkeye Hero to WNBA Journeywoman: The Remarkable Rise of Through the Years

Few players have embodied loyalty, leadership, and perseverance quite like .

While many basketball fans first came to know her as the trusted teammate standing alongside during Iowa’s historic rise, Martin’s story is far bigger than being a supporting character. Her journey from beloved Hawkeye leader to carving out a professional career in the WNBA has become one of the most compelling success stories in women’s basketball.

A collection of photographs spanning several years tells the story of a player who consistently found ways to make an impact, whether it was helping lead the Iowa Hawkeyes to championship runs, celebrating unforgettable victories, or battling against some of the game’s biggest stars at the professional level.

Building a Legacy at Iowa

Martin’s rise at wasn’t defined by flashy headlines alone. It was built through consistency, toughness, and leadership.

One memorable image from February 2022 captures Martin posing alongside Clark and Iowa assistant coach

following a Big Ten matchup against Michigan. At the time, few could have predicted just how significant that Iowa core would become for the program.

By the 2022-23 season, Martin had firmly established herself as one of Iowa’s most reliable veterans.

Whether she was celebrating big plays against Penn State or helping teammates regroup during intense conference battles, her influence stretched far beyond the box score.

One particularly telling moment came during a January 2023 matchup against Northwestern when Martin helped teammate back to her feet after drawing a charge. It was the kind of moment that reflected Martin’s reputation inside the program a player willing to do whatever the team needed.

The Veteran Leader Iowa Needed

As the Hawkeyes continued their ascent, Martin became one of the emotional and competitive anchors of the roster.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, she played a critical role for a team that captured national attention. Images from Iowa City show Martin being greeted by assistant coach during a game against Drake and celebrating baskets in front of roaring home crowds at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Those moments highlighted her growing confidence and importance within one of the nation’s elite programs.

While Clark’s record-breaking performances often dominated headlines, Martin provided the steady veteran presence every championship contender needs. Her versatility, basketball IQ, and willingness to embrace any role helped make Iowa one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

Championship Glory Arrives

The defining stretch of Martin’s college career came during Iowa’s unforgettable postseason run in 2024.

In March, she celebrated a victory over Ohio State inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, a win that further strengthened Iowa’s championship ambitions.

Days later, Martin stood proudly with the Women’s Big Ten Tournament Championship trophy after Iowa defeated Nebraska in Minneapolis. The image captured a player who had spent years helping build the program into a national powerhouse and was finally seeing that work rewarded.

But the Hawkeyes weren’t finished.

The team’s NCAA Tournament journey produced some of the most memorable moments in school history. Martin and her teammates advanced all the way to the Final Four, creating memories that Iowa fans will never forget.

One iconic photograph shows Martin celebrating with a piece of the net after Iowa defeated in the Albany Regional final. It was a defining victory that punched Iowa’s ticket to another Final Four appearance and cemented the group’s place in program history.

Final Four Memories and a Last Ride with Caitlin Clark

The final chapter of Martin’s Iowa career unfolded on the sport’s biggest stage.

In Cleveland, she participated in open practices ahead of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four and was photographed working alongside legendary Iowa head coach .

Another memorable image shows Martin and Clark walking onto the court together before the national championship game against the .

For Iowa fans, it was a symbolic moment.

Two players who had helped transform the program were preparing for one final battle together.

A separate photograph from the championship game captured Martin helping Clark back to her feet during play a fitting snapshot of the bond and trust that defined their partnership throughout their careers.

Although Iowa fell short of a national title, the Hawkeyes’ remarkable run elevated the program to unprecedented heights and turned players like Martin into household names among women’s basketball fans.

A Farewell Celebration in Iowa City

After the season concluded, Iowa supporters gathered to celebrate a team that had inspired millions.

One emotional image from April 2024 shows Iowa president embracing Clark and Martin during a special celebration at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The moment symbolized the end of an era.

Martin’s impact on the program wasn’t measured solely through points or rebounds. Her leadership, work ethic, and commitment helped establish a culture that fueled Iowa’s sustained success.

Draft Night Changes Everything

Just days after Iowa’s magical season ended, Martin received the opportunity every college player dreams about.

During the 2024 WNBA Draft in Brooklyn, she was selected with the 18th overall pick by the .

A photograph from draft night shows Martin standing proudly alongside WNBA commissioner after hearing her name called.

For a player who spent years earning respect through hard work and determination, it was the culmination of a long journey.

Yet it also marked the beginning of a new challenge.

Hawkeye Teammates Become WNBA Rivals

One of the most fascinating storylines of Martin’s professional career has been her continued connection with Clark.

The two former Iowa stars found themselves on opposite sides of the court after Clark joined the while Martin began her career with the Aces.

Several memorable images from 2024 captured the pair greeting one another before games and sharing conversations during warmups.

Another showed Martin defending Clark during a regular-season matchup in Las Vegas.

The scenes offered a reminder of how quickly basketball careers can evolve. Former teammates who once chased championships together were now competing against one another at the highest level of professional basketball.

A New Opportunity with the Valkyries

Martin’s professional journey took another significant turn when she joined the expansion .

In Golden State, she received fresh opportunities to showcase her skills and continue developing as a professional.

Photos from the 2025 season captured Martin battling Clark once again, this time in matchups between the Valkyries and Fever.

Other images highlighted Martin celebrating three-pointers, energizing teammates, and embracing a larger role within the franchise.

As the Valkyries built their identity, Martin became one of the recognizable faces helping establish the team’s culture.

The Next Chapter in Los Angeles

The latest stage of Martin’s basketball journey has taken her to the .

Photographs from the 2026 season show her competing against the , knocking down key three-pointers, and battling established stars such as .

The images reveal a player who continues to evolve while embracing every opportunity presented to her.

From Iowa City to Las Vegas, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Martin’s career has been defined by adaptability and resilience.

More Than Just a Teammate

For many fans, Martin will always be remembered as one of the key figures behind Iowa’s golden era.

But her story stands on its own merit.

She helped deliver conference championships, played in a national championship game, earned a spot in the WNBA, and continues to build a professional career through determination and relentless effort.

The photographs documenting her journey tell a powerful story one of growth, leadership, friendship, and perseverance.

And if the last few years have proven anything, it’s that Kate Martin’s basketball journey is far from over. As she continues writing new chapters in the WNBA, the former Hawkeye remains one of the sport’s most respected competitors, carrying the lessons of Iowa with her every step of the way.