Kate Martin Reveals Unexpected Plans For WNBA Break

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Making the jump from the college game to the pros always seems like such a dream for those on the outside but it isn’t always smooth sailing.

Aside from having to move on from life as a college athlete, there are things such as learning a new system, meeting new teammates, adapting to the professional level, and in most cases re-establishing oneself in a different city. Across all professional sports, there may not be a quicker turnaround than there is in the WNBA. Something that former Iowa Hawkeye Kate Martin is still in the process of trying to catch up on.

Martin and the Hawkeyes played in the NCAA title game on April 7, the WNBA Draft took place on April 15 which saw Martin hear her name called in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces, and then she made her WNBA preseason debut on May 11. Her regular season debut came shortly after, as she debuted on May 18. With all of this craziness taking place, while also becoming one of the most popular athletes in the sport, Martin revealed just how much she is looking forward to having some time off during the Olympic break.

Iowa guard Kate Martin reacts after her team’s loss to South Carolina in the 2024 NCAA tournament championship game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on April 7, 2024.

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

When speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of what was a blowout win over Caitlin Clark’s Fever, Martin revealed her plans for the time off which included some fun activities like attending a baseball game, speaking at an event, and heading back to her old stomping ground to take in a practice. However, watching her old teammates practice isn’t the only thing she’ll be doing in Iowa, as she also has some moving to do. Martin revealed she hasn’t yet moved out of her apartment.

“I’m gonna go home. I’m gonna go see my parents and see my dog and my family back home in Iowa,” Martin said. “I think I’m going to go to an Iowa practice too…I have to finish moving out of my Iowa City apartment which really sucks.”

While being drafted is great, it has proven to be difficult for WNBA draftees to stick in the league right away, especially those not taken toward the top. However, Martin has already carved out a nice role with the Aces, as she has appeared in 15 of their 17 games, playing about 15 minutes of playing time per game, and is averaging 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 37% from deep.

She was also on the cusp of getting a nod in the All-Star game thanks to the fan vote.