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Kate Martin, former Iowa teammate of Caitlin Clark, has become a WNBA free agent after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries due to a quad injury. This unexpected move comes just days before the 2026 WNBA regular season begins.

Caitlin Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin suddenly becomes WNBA free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kate Martin’s WNBA journey has never followed the easy path. She went from being one of Caitlin Clark’s most trusted teammates at Iowa to fighting for a roster spot as an undrafted rookie, and eventually carving out a meaningful role with the Golden State Valkyries during their inaugural season. That steady climb made Thursday’s news especially surprising around the league.
Just days before the start of the 2026 WNBA regular season, the Valkyries waived Martin while she continues recovering from a Grade 2 quad strain suffered late in training camp. The move immediately turned one of the league’s most recognizable role players into a free agent, and it did not take long for fans to start wondering where Clark’s close friend and former Hawkeye teammate could land next.
Martin became an important piece for Golden State last season because of the little things coaches trust. She defended multiple positions, played with toughness, moved the ball well and consistently brought energy off the bench.
Kate Martin was waived by the Golden State Valkyries while recovering from a Grade 2 quad strain suffered during training camp.
Being a free agent means Kate Martin is now eligible to sign with any WNBA team, giving her the opportunity to continue her professional career.
Kate Martin carved out a meaningful role with the Golden State Valkyries during their inaugural season, showcasing her skills as a reliable role player.
Martin's release comes at a challenging time for the Valkyries as they prepare for the start of the 2026 WNBA regular season, impacting their roster depth.

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In 42 games during the Valkyries’ inaugural 2025 season, Martin averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Her shooting numbers were not eye-popping, but her impact often showed up in hustle plays, defensive assignments and lineup flexibility.
Golden State originally appeared committed to giving Martin a larger role entering Year 2. That changed after the quad injury sidelined her during preseason action.
Waiving an injured player this close to opening night is always difficult, especially for someone who had become a fan favorite in a brand-new market. The Valkyries now head into the regular season with less depth in the backcourt and plenty of questions surrounding their rotation.
Martin’s connection to Clark will naturally keep attention on what happens next.
The two spent years together at Iowa, helping turn the Hawkeyes into one of the biggest stories in women’s basketball. While Clark became the national superstar, Martin earned respect as one of the team’s emotional leaders and most dependable veterans.
That chemistry followed them into the WNBA spotlight. Even after landing on different teams, fans have continued to closely follow their friendship and support for one another.
Now Martin enters an uncertain stretch at an important point in her career. At 25 years old, she still offers defensive versatility, experience and locker room value that plenty of teams covet during a long WNBA season.
If she clears waivers, Martin could quickly become one of the more intriguing free agents available before opening weekend. For now, though, one of the most recognizable former Iowa stars is unexpectedly searching for her next opportunity.