Caitlin Clark was ready to run through a brick wall after hearing what Kate Martin had to say to the Hawkeyes in her return to Iowa. The Las Vegas Aces’ rookie delivered a passionate speech to her former team about resilience and perseverance after becoming one of the best stories in the WNBA.

She is an inspiration!

Martin started 139 games in five years at Iowa. The 6-foot-0 guard averaged eight points, 2.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game over the course of her career. Those numbers jumped to 6.8 boards and 13.1 points as a fifth-year senior in 2023.

Clark was the star, obviously. However, the Hawkeyes were able to reach the national championship game because of the players around her. Martin was crucial to success. They are also best friends.

You probably know the story by now, but Martin showed up to the WNBA Draft to support Clark and ended up being drafted No. 18 overall by Las Vegas. Rarely do rookies make the final roster out of training camp, especially those picked in the second round.

Martin defied those odds. Not only did she make the team, she quickly won over her teammates both on and off the court and earned not just a roster spot but significant minutes in a few games this season!.

Kate Martin epitomizes everything that you want to root for in an athlete. She worked hard as an underdog and stayed humble in her success.

The Aces’ rookie made a triumphant return to Iowa City earlier this week after a stop in Boston to visit her girlfriend during the Olympic break. First-year head coach Jan Jensen, who took over for Lisa, is actually her aunt!

Martin joined the team after a preseason practice and delivered a profound message to the Hawkeyes about her journey. It touched on perseverance, dedication and passion. The team was locked in on her every word.