Kate Martin Biography: Age, Height, Girlfriend, WNBA Career, Iowa Hawkeyes, Salary, Net Worth & Facts
Kate Martin is an American professional basketball guard known as “The Glue” for her leadership, toughness, and clutch play. Rising from a five-star dream in Edwardsville, Illinois, to the bright lights of the WNBA, Martin became a household name during the Caitlin Clark era at the University of Iowa, helping the Hawkeyes reach back-to-back national championship games. Now a cornerstone for the expansion Golden State Valkyries, she enters the 2026 season poised for a massive salary jump under the league’s landmark new collective bargaining agreement, while her growing endorsement portfolio and loyal “Martini” fanbase signal a star on the rise.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kate Marie Martin |
| Nick Name | “The Glue” |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player (Guard) |
| Birth Date | June 5, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years 11 months old |
| Birth Place | Edwardsville, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | WNBA Guard for Golden State Valkyries; Iowa Hawkeyes captain; “The Glue” of the Caitlin Clark-era Hawkeyes |
| Ethnicity | White / Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | B.A. from University of Iowa (2024); Graduate coursework |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Current Relationship | Single (previously dated Claire Gransee, 2024–early 2026) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Matt Martin (father, teacher/football coach); Jill Martin (mother, teacher) |
| Siblings | Two older siblings (youngest of three) |
| Other Family | Aunt Jan Jensen (Iowa women’s basketball head coach) |
| Hobbies | Volleyball, football, beach trips, social media content creation |
| Current Work | Guard, Golden State Valkyries (WNBA); Breeze BC (Unrivaled) |
| Years Active | 2024–present (professional) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000–$500,000 (2025); projected to rise significantly under 2026 CBA |
| 2026 Salary | Projected $270,000–$300,000 (under new WNBA CBA) |
| WNBA Draft | 2024, 2nd Round, 18th Overall (Las Vegas Aces) |
| Fan Base Name | “The Martinis” |
| Agent | Excel Sports Management |
Early Life & Education
Kate Marie Martin was born on June 5, 2000, and grew up in Granite City and Edwardsville, Illinois . She is the youngest of three children born to Matt and Jill Martin, both of whom worked as teachers . Her father also served as a football coach at Edwardsville High School, where he mentored future NFL players .
Martin’s love for basketball began at age five in local recreational leagues and YMCA pickup games . By elementary school, she was attending Iowa Hawkeyes basketball camps every summer and sleeping with an Iowa women’s basketball poster above her bed . She also played boys’ tackle football in elementary school and later took up volleyball, winning an Illinois state championship in middle school .
At Edwardsville High School, Martin became a three-year starter and team captain under head coach Lori Blade. She finished her career with 1,518 points, the fourth-most in school history, and earned first-team All-State honors as a senior . She also set the school record for career block assists in volleyball with 194 .
Martin committed to the University of Iowa in May 2017, receiving a full athletic scholarship . After redshirting her first year due to injury, she graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree following a five-year collegiate career .
Career Journey
College Career at Iowa (2019–2024)
Martin’s Iowa career was defined by resilience and leadership. After redshirting the 2018–19 season, she became a four-year starter and team captain, earning the nickname “The Glue” from head coach Lisa Bluder for her ability to hold the team together .
She started 139 consecutive games alongside Caitlin Clark—the longest streak in Division I basketball over the previous 25 years . Martin helped lead Iowa to its first-ever national championship game in 2023 and a return trip in 2024 . During her graduate year (2023–24), she averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting a career-best 50.7% from the field . She earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and was named Iowa’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner for four consecutive seasons .
WNBA Career
Las Vegas Aces (2024)
Martin was selected 18th overall in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces . She appeared in 34 games as a rookie, averaging 2.6 points in 11.5 minutes per game while battling through limited playing time behind a veteran-laden roster .
Golden State Valkyries (2025–Present)
In December 2024, the expansion Golden State Valkyries selected Martin in the WNBA expansion draft, giving her a fresh start on the West Coast . In 2025, she blossomed into a rotational mainstay, appearing in 42 games (four starts) and averaging 4.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game . She also made her playoff debut with Golden State, averaging 8.0 points in two postseason appearances .
Unrivaled (2026)
Martin also plays for Breeze BC in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league during the WNBA offseason, joining other WNBA stars in the innovative winter competition .
Career Stats
| Level | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (Iowa) | 163 | 8.5 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 44.8% | 38.2% |
| WNBA Regular Season (2024–25) | 76 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 31.9% | 32.1% |
| WNBA Playoffs | 3 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 40.0% | 37.5% |
Endorsements and Business
Martin has built an impressive NIL and endorsement portfolio. She is represented by Excel Sports Management and has partnered with Athleta (joining their “Power of She Collective” alongside Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky), American Eagle, Aflac, Samsung, HEYDUDESHOES, DripDrop, and Iowa-based apparel company RAYGUN . In 2024, she and teammate Sydney Colson appeared in a viral TikTok campaign for Aflac .
Personal Life
Family
Martin comes from an athletic family. Her father, Matt, coached multiple sports at Edwardsville High School, while her mother, Jill, is a teacher . Her aunt, Jan Jensen, served as an assistant coach at Iowa during Martin’s entire collegiate career and was named head coach of the Hawkeyes in May 2024 following Lisa Bluder’s retirement . Because of this family connection, Jensen recused herself from Martin’s recruitment process .
Relationships
Martin publicly dated fellow Iowa alum Claire Gransee from June 2024 into early 2026 . The couple went Instagram official during Martin’s rookie season with the Aces, frequently sharing supportive messages despite living on opposite coasts—Martin in San Francisco and Gransee working in human resources in Boston . However, by March 2026, reports indicated the couple had split, with Gransee removing photos of Martin from social media and subsequently appearing in intimate photos with NWSL goalkeeper Shelby Hogan .
Sexual Orientation
Martin is openly lesbian and is listed among prominent American lesbian sportswomen .
Controversies
Martin has largely avoided controversy. The most publicized personal matter was her March 2026 breakup with Claire Gransee, which played out on social media as fans noticed deleted photos and Gransee’s new relationship with an NWSL player . On the court, Martin has dealt with injury setbacks, including a grade two quad strain in April 2026 that sidelined her temporarily . During college, she famously broke her nose three times, once during a preseason practice in 2022 that required her to wear a protective mask .
Awards & Achievements
- Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- Second-Team All-Big Ten (2024)
- Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten honors
- Iowa Women’s Hawkeye of the Year (2024, voted by fellow student-athletes)
- WNBA Expansion Draft Selection (Golden State Valkyries, 2024)
- Saturday Night Live appearance (April 2024, closing credits with Caitlin Clark and teammates)
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Athletic |
| Position | Guard |
| Jersey Number | 20 |
Quotes
“Before she was ‘The Glue’ at Iowa, Kate Martin was glue for Edwardsville.”
— Edwardsville Intelligencer, April 2024“Kate’s always been the glue—and people overlook Kate. She holds this team together. She’s our captain, she’s our leader, she’s somebody we look to.”
— Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder, 2022“I asked and Kate Martin said we’re called The Martinis!”
— Fan tweet, May 2024 (confirmed by Martin)
Favorites
- College Team: Iowa Hawkeyes (lifelong fan)
- Fan Base Name: The Martinis
- Apparel Partner: RAYGUN (Iowa-based; released “Martini” fan club T-shirt)
- Cities: Iowa City, Iowa; San Francisco, California
- Causes: Women’s sports equity, LGBTQ+ visibility in athletics
- Off-Court Activities: Beach trips, TikTok content creation, volleyball
Earnings
Martin signed a four-year, $297,045 rookie scale contract with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 . Her year-by-year salaries under the original contract were:
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Las Vegas Aces | $67,249 |
| 2025 | Golden State Valkyries | $68,595 |
| 2026 | Golden State Valkyries | $75,456 (contract) / $270,000–$300,000 (projected under new CBA) |
| 2027 | Team Option | $85,745 |
The WNBA’s landmark 2026 collective bargaining agreement will increase the salary cap to $7 million and raise average salaries to roughly $583,000, meaning Martin is positioned for a dramatic pay increase regardless of her existing contract terms . Her net worth is currently estimated between $300,000 and $500,000, derived from WNBA earnings, endorsement deals, and NIL partnerships .
Interesting Facts
- In sixth grade, Martin wrote a letter to her future self saying she hoped to be committed to play basketball at Iowa—a dream she fulfilled six years later .
- She played boys’ tackle football in elementary school before focusing on basketball and volleyball .
- She broke her nose three times during her college career, wearing a protective mask during portions of the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons .
- Martin appeared in the closing credits of Saturday Night Live on April 13, 2024, alongside Caitlin Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Jada Gyamfi .
- She suggested her fans be called “The Martinis” in May 2024, and Iowa-based RAYGUN released an official fan club T-shirt shortly after .
- Her aunt, Jan Jensen, became Iowa’s head coach just weeks after Martin’s college career ended .
Did You Know Already?
- Martin started 139 consecutive games with Caitlin Clark at Iowa—the longest such streak in Division I women’s basketball in 25 years .
- She was present in the room when the Golden State Valkyries selected her in the expansion draft, with then-girlfriend Claire Gransee by her side .
- Martin is one of the first wave of athletes to benefit from the WNBA’s massive 2026 CBA salary explosion, which will more than quadruple her pay .
- She has nearly 200,000 followers on TikTok and over 800,000 likes, making her one of the more socially active WNBA players .
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @katemartin
- TikTok: @katemartin (193K+ followers, 800K+ likes)
- X/Twitter: @kate_martin22
- WNBA Profile: Golden State Valkyries Roster
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kate Martin?
Kate Martin was born on June 5, 2000, making her 25 years old as of 2026.
How tall is Kate Martin?
She stands at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) and plays the guard position.
What team does Kate Martin play for?
She plays for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA and Breeze BC in the Unrivaled league.
Who is Kate Martin’s girlfriend?
As of early 2026, Martin appears to be single. She previously dated fellow Iowa alum Claire Gransee from June 2024 until their reported split in early 2026.
What is Kate Martin’s salary?
Her 2025 salary was approximately $68,595, but under the new 2026 WNBA CBA, she is projected to earn between $270,000 and $300,000.
Why is Kate Martin called “The Glue”?
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder gave her the nickname in 2021 because of her leadership, consistency, and ability to hold the team together during the Caitlin Clark era.
What is Kate Martin’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $300,000 and $500,000 as of 2025, expected to rise significantly with the new CBA and endorsements.
Conclusion
Kate Martin’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and quiet leadership. From writing letters to her future self in sixth grade to captaining one of the most watched teams in college basketball history, she has proven that glue players are indispensable. As she enters her third WNBA season with a massive new salary, an expanded role in Golden State, and a growing brand portfolio, “The Glue” is sticking around for the long haul. Whether she’s draining threes for the Valkyries or cheering on “The Martinis,” Kate Martin represents the next generation of WNBA stars building equity on and off the court.
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