The WNBA offseason is always full of surprises, and this week brought a tough turn for one of the league's rising fan favorites. Kate Martin, the former Iowa Hawkeye who captured hearts as an unexpected draft pick, has been waived by the Golden State Valkyries. The move comes as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season, leaving Martin to search for her third team in as many years.

Martin's journey to the WNBA is the kind of underdog story that resonates with fans everywhere. She arrived at the 2024 WNBA Draft purely to support her college teammate and superstar Caitlin Clark, with no expectations of hearing her own name called. But the Las Vegas Aces saw something special, selecting her 18th overall in the second round. Now, after a stint with the Aces and a brief preseason with the Valkyries, Martin finds herself back on the market.

During her rookie season with the then-two-time defending champion Aces, Martin proved she could hold her own. The 6-foot guard from Edwardsville, Illinois, averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 35% from beyond the arc. In two starts, she really shined, putting up 10 points, five rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Her preseason action with the Valkyries showed glimpses of that potential, too, as she notched eight points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes against the Seattle Storm on April 25—despite battling a right quad strain.

For fans who love a good comeback story, Martin's resilience is worth watching. Whether she lands with a team looking for depth or a squad that can unlock her starting potential, her journey from draft-day spectator to WNBA regular is a reminder that hard work and heart can take you far. Keep an eye on waiver wires—this fan favorite isn't done yet.