In a move that has sent ripples through the WNBA just days before the 2026 season tips off, Kate Martin—longtime college teammate and close friend of Caitlin Clark—has been unexpectedly waived by the Golden State Valkyries, making her a free agent.

Martin’s path to the league was never a straight line. After anchoring the Iowa Hawkeyes alongside Clark, she went undrafted but fought her way onto the Valkyries’ inaugural roster. Last season, she became a fan favorite, not with flashy stats, but with the gritty, unselfish play that coaches dream of: locking down multiple positions, moving the ball, and bringing relentless energy off the bench.

In 42 games, Martin averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Her impact was felt in the hustle plays and defensive assignments that don’t always show up on the box score.

Golden State seemed poised to give her a bigger role in Year 2, but a Grade 2 quad strain suffered late in training camp derailed those plans. With the regular season looming, the team made the difficult decision to waive the injured guard, leaving a gap in their backcourt depth and a wave of questions about their rotation.

For Martin, this is another chapter in a career defined by resilience. And for fans, the natural question is: could a reunion with Clark be on the horizon? Only time—and free agency—will tell.