Kate Martin Reflects on Playing with Caitlin Clark and Their Memorable Iowa Careers
As the WNBA spotlight shines on former Iowa Hawkeyes stars Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin, both players are taking time to reflect on their remarkable journeys together in college basketball. For Kate Martin, the experience of sharing the court with Clark at the University of Iowa was transformative—both for her own career and for the legacy of Iowa women’s basketball.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Chemistry
Kate Martin, a versatile guard-forward known for her leadership and basketball IQ, spent her collegiate career as a key contributor for the Hawkeyes. Her partnership with Caitlin Clark, one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history, became a defining feature of Iowa’s recent basketball success.
“Playing with Caitlin was incredible,” Martin shared in a recent interview. “She’s a generational talent, but what made it special was her unselfishness and her ability to elevate everyone around her. We trusted each other on and off the court, and that chemistry made us a tough team to beat.”
Shared Success and Historic Runs
During their time together at Iowa, Martin and Clark led the Hawkeyes to unprecedented heights. The duo played pivotal roles in back-to-back Final Four appearances, including a national championship game run that captivated the nation. Martin’s steady play, clutch shooting, and defensive versatility complemented Clark’s dynamic scoring and playmaking.
“Those deep tournament runs were unforgettable,” Martin recalled. “We faced so many challenges, but we always believed in our team and our ability to compete with anyone. Caitlin’s leadership and confidence were contagious—she made everyone feel like we could win any game.”
Learning and Growing Together
Martin credits much of her own growth to the competitive environment fostered by Clark and the Iowa coaching staff. “Practices were intense because Caitlin pushed all of us to be better. She set a high standard, and you wanted to meet that level every day,” Martin said. “At the same time, she was supportive and always willing to help her teammates improve.”
Off the court, the two developed a close friendship, supporting each other through the pressures of high-profile college basketball. “We spent a lot of time together, whether it was watching film, hanging out after games, or just talking about life. That bond made our on-court connection even stronger.”
Transitioning to the WNBA
Both players have now embarked on their professional careers—Clark as a headline-making rookie with the Indiana Fever and Martin as a promising addition to the Las Vegas Aces. Martin acknowledges that their Iowa experience prepared them well for the next level.
“The Big Ten is a great conference, and playing in those big games with Caitlin gave me confidence heading into the WNBA,” Martin said. “We learned how to handle pressure, how to lead, and how to stay focused on our goals.”
Pride in Iowa’s Legacy
As Iowa alumni, Martin and Clark continue to inspire young athletes across the state and the nation. “It means so much to represent Iowa and to see the impact we’ve had on the next generation,” Martin reflected. “Fans still reach out and talk about those runs, and it’s a reminder of how special that time was.”
Looking Ahead
While their college careers have ended, the friendship and mutual respect between Martin and Clark remain strong. “We still keep in touch and cheer each other on,” Martin said. “No matter where our careers take us, we’ll always share those memories from Iowa.”
As both players continue to make their mark in the WNBA, their Iowa legacy serves as a testament to teamwork, resilience, and the power of shared dreams.
