But Martin’s fellow Iowa teammates were shocked and elated for her when she was drafted in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces.
Martin averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game – and was a key contributor to the team’s success throughout the season.
So with the 18th overall pick, the Aces took the chance on Martin and selected her in the draft.
Martin smiled and laughed as her Iowa teammates and coaches celebrated and hugged her.
Iowa basketball star Kate Martin was at the WNBA Draft to cheer on teammate Caitlin Clark
But to Martin’s surprise, she herself was drafted 18th overall by the Las Vegas Aces
While Clark was doing media availability, she saw her teammate getting picked and celebrated
WHOLESOME: The moment Kate Martin got drafted by the Las Vegas Aces.
❤️❤️❤️
pic.twitter.com/WmwfyUqNj7— ML Basketball (@_MLBasketball) April 16, 2024
No words needed ‼️@CaitlinClark22 takes a break from her media tour to watch college teammate Kate Martin get interviewed by Holly Rowe after she’s drafted by the Aces@kate_martin22
| | @IowaWBB | @WNBA | @TheFrankIsola | @sarahkustok | @sportsiren | @SiriusXMSports pic.twitter.com/7CD4yi4Gyz— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) April 16, 2024
Speaking to ESPN’s Holly Rowe after being selected, Martin said that her first reason for being there was to support Clark – but was shocked to hear her name called.
‘A lot of emotions, I’m really happy to be here. I was here to support Caitlin, but I was hoping to hear my name called.
‘All I wanted was an opportunity and I got it, so I’m really excited.’
‘When asked about her chances of making the roster, she replied, ‘I’m super excited for the opportunity, I have a really good work ethic. But more than anything I think I’m a really versatile player.
‘I can score at multiple levels and I can guard multiple positions. But I’m really excited to get there and I know I’m gonna give it all I got.’
Clark was even caught on camera letting out a celebratory scream of joy and was seen smiling as Martin interviewed with Rowe.
‘KATE. MARTIN. LFGGGGG,’ the No. 1 overall pick tweeted out.
