Episode 4: The Kate Martin Interview

Summary

Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird: Episode 4 – The Kate Martin Interview

Introduction

In Episode 4 of Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird, esteemed Hall of Famer Sue Bird hosts a deep and insightful conversation with WNBA player Kate Martin. This episode, released on June 6, 2025, dives into Kate's journey from her college days at the University of Iowa to her professional career in the WNBA. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including leadership, resilience, team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of women's basketball.

---

Sue Bird's WNBA Insights

Before the interview, Sue Bird shares her analysis of the current WNBA landscape, focusing on two undefeated teams: the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty.

• Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty's Hot Starts: As of the recording, Minnesota stands at an impressive 8-0, while New York holds a 7-0 record. Sue draws parallels with historical performances, noting that a strong start often indicates a successful season. She states, “If New York and Minnesota stay undefeated for another few games… they are basically destined for the finals” (04:35).

• Historical Performance Context: Sue references past Lynx teams, such as the 2016 Lynx who started 13-0 but ultimately lost in the finals, and the 2012 team that reached the finals after a 10-0 start. This historical perspective provides valuable context for understanding current team performances.

• Atlanta's Unanticipated Surge: Sue also discusses the Atlanta team’s unexpected rise to third place, highlighting their strategic use of three-pointers and offensive rebounds. She remarks, “They overcame a 17-point deficit… led the league in second chance points” (05:20).

• Seattle Storm's Key Players: Visiting the Seattle Storm, Sue spotlights Gabby Williams and Erica Wheeler. She emphasizes their impact beyond statistics, noting the “energy and intensity” they bring to the court. “Gabby is having career highs in essentially every category… it goes beyond numbers with Gabby” (05:50).

• Kate Martin’s Performance: Sue touches on Kate Martin’s standout game against the Minnesota Lynx, where Kate scored 14 points in six minutes, showcasing her mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure.

---

Interview with Kate Martin

Hosted by Caitlin Clark, the interview with Kate Martin unfolds through several key sections, each revealing different facets of her athletic journey and professional growth.

a. Early Encounters and Memories

Kate recounts her first meeting with Sue Bird in 2023 during a surprise visit to the University of Iowa's Elite Eight game. The memorable moment is highlighted by Caitlin Clark's surprise appearance, capturing the excitement and camaraderie among the team.

• Revisiting the Surprise: “I was nervous walking in… the reaction was priceless” (06:32).

• Sue’s Advice: Caitlin shares the advice Sue gave the team before their Elite Eight game: “the last thing I said was like, guys, this is the hardest game of the NCAA Tournament… a lot of swings” (07:00). Kate reflects on how the team executed the advice seamlessly, leading to a decisive victory.

b. Athletic Background and Multisport Influence

Kate discusses her diverse athletic background, having played football, volleyball, and basketball. She emphasizes how participating in multiple sports enhanced her overall athleticism and prevented burnout.

• Playing Tackle Football: “I was the only girl in the whole tackle football league… I just wanted to play” (09:19).

• Benefits of Multisport Participation: “Being a multi-sport athlete helps you be a better athlete all around” (11:44). Kate highlights the importance of varied physical skills gained from different sports.

c. Recruitment and College Journey

With deep family roots in Iowa, Kate shares her recruitment story, dealing with late blooming athleticism, and overcoming a significant ACL injury.

• Family Ties to Iowa: “My mom has five other siblings… my aunt Jan has been coaching at Iowa since 2000” (13:07).

• Overcoming Injury: “I genuinely had no idea I would get drafted… It was the best thing that ever happened to me” (19:20). Kate details how her ACL tear two days before her freshman year practice led her to develop strong leadership and teamwork skills.

d. Leadership and Team Dynamics

Kate and Caitlin explore leadership styles within the team, focusing on building trust and fostering relationship equity.

• Building Trust: “I tried to build relationships with all my teammates outside of basketball” (27:57). Kate emphasizes the importance of personal connections in effective team leadership.

• Influence of Alicia Clark: Kate praises Alicia Clark’s dedication and strategic mindset, stating, “Alicia watches film like nobody I've ever seen” (53:14). She shares how Alicia’s approach has inspired her own Defensive strategies.

e. Draft Day and Joining the Aces

Kate narrates her experience being drafted by the Las Vegas Aces, including memorable moments like meeting Melissa McCarthy and attending Saturday Night Live.

• Draft Day Excitement: “We took a picture with [Melissa McCarthy]… it was a really cool moment” (35:38).

• Joining the Aces: Kate describes her initial impressions of the Aces, highlighting the mentorship from Becky Hammon and Asia Durr. “Becky was great… She’s the most fit person I've ever been around” (38:59).

f. Transition to Golden State Valkyries

As part of the expansion draft, Kate moves to the Golden State Valkyries, a new WNBA franchise. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of building a new team.

• New Franchise Dynamics: “The fans really are so loud… people are excited about it” (56:50). Kate appreciates the vibrant fan support and the collaborative team spirit.

• Integrating International Players: “They brought a crazy spark… want to play fast” (60:33). The infusion of international talent adds diversity and dynamism to the Valkyries’ playstyle.

• Coach Natalie Nakase's Leadership: Kate commends Coach Nakase for her accountability and supportive leadership. “She has taken off so much pressure from us… we just want to win” (63:10).

g. Goals and Reflections

Kate outlines her personal and team goals, focusing on incremental improvement and fostering a strong team environment.

• Process Over Results: “Setting ourselves up for future success and learning from every single win” (63:27).

• Team Cohesion: Using the analogy of acclimating fish, Kate emphasizes the importance of adapting and working together. “We are in the bag… we're figuring each other out” (64:38).

---

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Caitlin Clark highlighting Kate Martin’s growth and resilience throughout her career. Kate’s journey from a multi-sport athlete overcoming adversity to a key player in the WNBA underscores the themes of dedication, leadership, and continuous improvement. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the evolving nature of women's basketball and the enduring spirit of its athletes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sue Bird on Minnesota and New York's potential: “If New York and Minnesota stay undefeated for another few games… they are basically destined for the finals” (04:35).

• Kate Martin on being a multi-sport athlete: “Being a multi-sport athlete helps you be a better athlete all around” (11:44).

• Kate Martin on overcoming her ACL injury: “It was the best thing that ever happened to me” (19:20).

• Kate Martin on leadership: “I tried to build relationships with all my teammates outside of basketball” (27:57).

• Kate Martin on Alicia Clark’s influence: “Alicia watches film like nobody I've ever seen” (53:14).

• Kate Martin on joining the Aces: “Becky was great… She’s the most fit person I've ever been around” (38:59).

• Kate Martin on process over results: “Setting ourselves up for future success and learning from every single win” (63:27).

---

Timestamps Reference:

The timestamps mentioned correspond to the transcript sections, aiding listeners in locating specific parts of the conversation.

Transcript

[Sue Bird]

The new McCrispy strip is here. Dip approved by Ketchup Tangy Barbecue Honey Mustard honey mustard, Sprite, McFlurry Big Mac sauce Double Dipped in Buffalo and Ranch More Ranch and Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip now at McDonald's.

[Kate Martin]

Support for this show comes from Monday.com use Monday CRM's AI to speed up your sales and cut the busy work. Less admin, more closing. Try it [e-mail] CRM.

[Caitlin Clark]

I feel like your two Iowa teams left a mark on women's college basketball, but also women's basketball at large. Is that like, kind of crazy to think about, like you were a part of something that was a catalyst for this, like, larger growth? Hey everybody. Welcome back to Bird's Eye View. Today's guest is someone who I actually met when she was still in college. Matter of fact, in the city that I'm in right now, I'm back in Seattle. And this is exactly when I met Kate Martin in 2023. I surprised her and the Iowa Hawkeyes as they were headed into the Elite eight, and their reaction was priceless. You'll get to hear us talk about that moment as well as the advice that I gave that none of them needed. But first, Sue's view. All right, so it is impossible to talk about the WNBA right now without talking about the two teams who are still undefeated, the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. As of this recording, Minnesota is 8. 0, New York is 7. 0, on the verge of breaking a franchise record. These hot starts put them in the top 10 already for best starts in WNBA history. And it basically just got me thinking, like, does having a top 10 hot start indicate how well you're going to finish the season? So did a little research and Minnesota holds the record. Not this team, but the 2016 team holds the record for best start at 13 0. And that happened, like I said, in 2016. And that team lost in the finals. But they lost in the finals to the LA Sparks, who in that very same season started the season 11 0. From there you've got another Minnesota Lynx team in 2012. They started 10 0. They ultimately lost in the finals. But they did get there. After that. There's a little bit of a bottleneck. You've got the 2001 LA Sparks. They started nine and oh, they won the title. The 2003 LA Sparks started nine and oh, but they lost in the finals. Then You've got the 2017 Minnesota Links. They won, they got to the finals, they beat LA. Last but not least last year, the 2025 Connecticut sun started 9 and oh as well. And they got to the semis and lost. So out of all those, I just said, only one didn't get to the finals. According to WMA history, if New York and Minnesota stay undefeated for another few games, and by the way, we're in the middle of the Commissioner's cup, so both teams are like extra, extra motivated. They are basically destined for the finals. That's, you know, that's not me though. That's just, that's history. So if it repeats itself, that's what we're looking at. Before I move on, I want to hit on Atlanta's hot ish start since they've just moved up to third place. And like I said last week, nobody really saw that coming. But what I also said last week is there's a couple reasons and ways in which they're doing this, right? Shooting a ton of threes, not necessarily making them all, but getting a lot of offensive rebounds and giving themselves multiple opportunities. And you saw exactly that the last time out versus Seattle. It was a road game. They overcame a 17 point deficit. They shot over 30 threes on 29% shooting. Not great. But guess what else happened? They had 13, zero boards. Six of those came off missed threes. And on top of that, they had 17 second chance points. To give you a quick frame of reference, they lead the league in that category with 13.7. So 17 is a lot. Next up, I am back in Seattle and so I was able to check out the Storm in person. And there's really two things. Two players that jump out immediately when you watch the Storm. Gabby Williams, Erica Wheeler. And they're having crazy impact, but it's that type of impact that you don't even need numbers to feel or prove. There's an energy, there's an intensity. They're all over the place, especially Gabby. That's really what she does. Great. But then when you look at their numbers, it becomes even more telling, more interesting. Gabby right now is having career highs in essentially every category. It's really her shooting percentage that is standing out, especially from three. She's shooting 43, 0.6%, which is amazing. Um, but like I said, it goes beyond numbers with Gabby. But the same can be said for Erica Wheeler. Right? Like this impact is felt, but then you look at the numbers. She's also having career highs in shooting percentage. And the one I find most interesting is she is first in total assists off the bench. But again, with both of them, it's the energy. I was There when Erica Wheeler got that and one. That was actually a pretty pivotal point in the game. The Storm had been struggling with finding ways to score, and Erica was able to to get some space to Anwan at the rim. And, you know, I'm just going to let her tweet do the talking here, but we might be looking at a drug test for her. Okay. Last but not least, before I got out to Seattle, I actually was at the Liberty game when they played the Valkyries last week, and my next guest got no minutes in that game. I can only imagine the roller coaster ride that that can be because you fast forward a couple days, and in their next game against the Minnesota Lynx, Kate Martin had 14 points in six minutes. She played 19 minutes total, but had 14 in the span of six minutes. That shows so much mental toughness. It shows so much fortitude, and it's exactly that type of mindset that I was most interested in, in talking to Kate as a role player, trying to find herself in this league. Like, where do you get it? Who do you learn it from? How do you maintain it and your confidence within the ebbs and flows of a season and even in a career? I needed to find out. But first, I had to take her back to the beginning. Do you remember the first time we met?

[Kate Martin]

Yes.

[Caitlin Clark]

Do you want to relive it?

[Kate Martin]

Yes, I do. Okay.

[Caitlin Clark]

I think we should relive it.

[Kate Martin]

Let's do it.

[Sue Bird]

Iowa got this surprise. Super walked into their shooter.

[Kate Martin]

Look at those faces.

[Sue Bird]

Caitlin Clark in this moment said, oh, my gosh, I'm going to cry.

[Kate Martin]

Should I have reacted that way tonight?

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, just keep it consistent. No, it's so funny watching this type of clip. I was nervous walking in. I'm like, oh, my God, this is, like, so uncomfortable. So when you guys had the reaction, it actually made me me feel a lot better.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, it was really cool.

[Caitlin Clark]

So what do you remember from that day?

[Kate Martin]

I just remember Caitlin being, like, so suspicious, being like, yeah, somebody's coming, somebody's coming. And we're like, who is coming? But we obviously knew we were in Climate Pledge, and so then when we saw you walk, we were, like, guessing, and I think somebody guessed you, but, like, we had no idea. And so I just remember everyone being so excited. Obviously, all of us grew up watching you, and so that was just a really cool moment and to get us ready to go win some games.

[Caitlin Clark]

Do you remember what my advice was?

[Kate Martin]

No.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay, so Ryan actually says it on the clip. Yeah, but I remember, and this is what my advice was. You guys were heading into the elite eight game. Just so people understand, this was 20, 23. So you haven't been to a Final Four yet and you're in this Elite 8 game, you're about to play Louisville, Hilly, Van Lith, the whole thing. And my advice was like, the last thing I said was like, guys, like, this is the hardest game of the NCAA Tournament. I was like, it doesn't always go your way. There's usually like a lot of swings. It just for some reason this feels like it's the hardest, I think because if you lose, you know, you kind of don't have get anything. Yeah, you're just like the team that got to the Elite Eight as opposed to the team that got to a Final Four. Right. So that was my, my, my parting words. And you know, I went to the game and within the first, who knows, couple minutes, you guys were smashing them. So I was like, what terrible advice.

[Kate Martin]

No, but I just remember, like, we were just in a different mode at that time. So it was, things just kind of worked in our, in our favor. But it wasn't easy. Like, even whenever you're beating a team by 15, 20, like it never felt easy. We were like, this team could come back in it at any moment. So it was good advice.

[Caitlin Clark]

So I literally was watching it, like, oh my God, they're absolutely killing them.

[Kate Martin]

You, like, wanted to be their life. That's hilarious.

[Caitlin Clark]

But yeah, obviously a lot had to happen before you got to that point. So we're going to take it back a little bit. We're going to take it back to Edwardsville, Illinois.

[Kate Martin]

Ever heard of it?

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, no, not until literally yesterday. So obviously, obviously you played basketball. Duh. But you also played volleyball and tackle football. I need to hear about this tackle football career.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I mean, it was short lived. I was young, but my dad was a football coach, or still is a football coach. And I had an older brother and I had my neighborhood guy friends and they all played football. And so I had been begging my dad for over a year, like, dad, can I play? Can I play? He's like, like, football's not for girls. And I'm like, like even I was like 8 years old and I was like not taking that for an answer. And so I just begged him, begged him. And then finally he was like, all right, Kate, like, you can, you can play. So I signed up and signed up late. And so they put like all the bad kids on one team and like the one girl in the whole tackle football league and we scrimmaged to sixth grade. I was in like fourth grade. Fourth or fifth grade. And we scrimmaged a team that was like two years older than us and I was getting the snap out of the center.

[Caitlin Clark]

You were qb?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I was qb.

[Caitlin Clark]

Have you ever seen little giants?

[Kate Martin]

Yes, I have. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

What was your icebox? You were icebox.

[Kate Martin]

And I played defense. I was a linebacker and iron woman. Yes, exactly. So I was getting the snap from the center and getting tackled immediately. And I remember going crying to my dad and I was like, dad, I don't want to play anymore. Like, and he's just like. You begged me for a year. You're going to finish out. And it ended up being so much fun and I wanted to keep playing for forever, but it was a great experience. I love football and if there was like a flag football league or like something and you know it's in the.

[Caitlin Clark]

Olympics in 2028, so.

[Kate Martin]

Yes, I know that. But I ship sail. Yeah. I'm kind of chasing a different passion at this point.

[Caitlin Clark]

Fair. You focus.

[Kate Martin]

I love that. So yeah. But if there was like flag football for girls like in middle school or something, I would have loved to.

[Caitlin Clark]

I feel the same way. Yeah, I would have been all over that.

[Kate Martin]

I know. And I feel like it's more common now and like girls wrestling, like our. My high school has girls wrestling now.

[Caitlin Clark]

Really? Dang.

[Kate Martin]

Like, I wish we would have had that when I was.

[Caitlin Clark]

You don't want cauliflower ear?

[Kate Martin]

No. But I begged my dad also to let me dress.

[Caitlin Clark]

Did you wrestling?

[Kate Martin]

Oh my God. I wanted to. I was friends with all the guys and they got to go wrestle and do all the fun things and like.

[Caitlin Clark]

Is it about wrestling though? Like the uniform?

[Kate Martin]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I just, I. I guess I had some aggression.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. Does that still exist for you? You still got this?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I think so. You know, that's why I like basketball more than. More than volleyball. It was a little more.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. Hands on.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

What do you think if anything? Football, volleyball, your lost wrestling career. But no, seriously, what do you think those sports, like, how did they help you in basketball?

[Kate Martin]

Oh, I mean, I just think being a multi sport athlete helps you be a better athlete all around. I never really wanted to just focus on basketball, even though it was my favorite sport since I was literally born. But I never just wanted to focus one like on one sport because I knew I would get burned out probably of basketball if I stayed only in basketball. And I also loved like the jumping of volleyball, the quick movements. You have to be you know, very athletic, have good reaction time. And. Yeah, so I loved it. And it was so different from basketball, too. Like, it was pretty girly, honestly. And you're, like, cheering, like, happy, go lucky. And basketball. Yeah, and basketball's a little more intense. And so I liked how different it was because I really never got burned out from volleyball, and I never got burnt out from basketball. So I just think, like, a lot of kids nowadays are just, like, focusing on one sport specialized too soon, so young. And, like, that was never, like, what my parents really wanted for us either. They just wanted us to go have fun. And I had a lot of friends who did it, too. So it was. It just makes you a better athlete overall and learn how to work with different people and, like, give you a different perspective, too.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, that was growing up. Same. I played a bunch of sports I didn't pick until much, much later. But what I also didn't do was know what college I wanted to go to in sixth grade. Is this just because of your aunt? Your aunt is Jan Jensen, who's now the head coach at Iowa. Was the assistant at the time. Is it just because of your aunt? Is there another connection to Iowa?

[Kate Martin]

Just my mom grew up in Iowa, and so my mom has five other siblings. There's six of them. My grandparents lived in Iowa, and so they grew up Hawkeye fans. And then my aunt Jan has been coaching at Iowa since 2000. I was literally born in 2000, so. Oh, God.

[Caitlin Clark]

I'm not even going to tell you what year I was born. Do you want to guess?

[Kate Martin]

No, I don't want to guess. I feel like that's a trap.

[Caitlin Clark]

No, I won't be. Just give it a go. Well, don't do math.

[Kate Martin]

No, I'm thinking because you're younger than Diana, so you're probably around.

[Caitlin Clark]

No, I'm older.

[Kate Martin]

You're older. Oh, okay.

[Caitlin Clark]

So then you're like, I wasn't born in the 70s. I was born in 80. I'm 44.

[Kate Martin]

44.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. We'll move on. You're born in 2000. Do you know what I was doing in 2000? I was winning my first college championship.

[Kate Martin]

Heck, yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

In 2000, I was already, like, I was two years away from paying taxes. If I had nil, I would have been paying.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay. But back to Iowa. You also, like, grew up with a poster above your head.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

There's a very adorable story where you wrote a letter to yourself that said, hi, Kate. When you're reading this, I hope you have committed to play at The University of Iowa. So this is all in sixth grade.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

But then come to find out they didn't even recruit you until way later.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, what the fuck? Coach Dan, why did Jan hold out on you?

[Kate Martin]

Well, I think there was multiple reasons. Like, yes, I grew up like a Hawkeye fan. My whole family. Jan was coaching there. So I grew up around the team. I was going to the Iowa camps since I was, like, five years old. So I would go and spend a week by myself with my Aunt Julie and my Aunt Jan, and they, like, said I was, like, their first kid. Like, I had my own room. Like, they would have it all perfect for me when I would come stay for camp. And I just, like, hung out with the players all the time. My backwards hat, like, just tomboy. Just wanted to play.

[Caitlin Clark]

You were a given.

[Kate Martin]

Yep.

[Caitlin Clark]

You were too easy. You had to play hard to get. You were too easy. They knew they had you. But I'm actually. I am curious the actual story. Like, who else did you get recruited by? Why did they really wait? And ultimately how. Obviously, we know what happened. So how did it get there?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, well, I think Jan kind of stayed out of the recruiting process a little bit because it was family and she's biased, and so she wanted the assistance to come and recruit me and, like, see if I was actually good enough, like, if I had it or not. And at that time, I didn't know if I did because I was kind of a late bloomer and I didn't have a bunch of big ten offers. And so, yeah, I was just kind of holding out. I got my first offer sophomore year from a mid major, Bradley University, Illinois. And I was so excited.

[Caitlin Clark]

I was like, dad, this is it.

[Kate Martin]

This is it. And he's like, kate, why don't. Like, he knew a little more than I did. He's like, why don't we just wait? And I remember, even my freshman year, I went to a D2 school camp, and I was like, dad, like, you know, I think this is. This is gonna be great. Like, I was the best kid at camp, you know, and my dad's like, well, we just wait a second. And then the next year, got my first offer. And then they just started kind of trickling in a lot of mid majors from then on. And then I like, DePaul. Love DePaul. Indiana, Wisconsin. Yeah. And I. I went on a visit to DePaul, and that was. That was Iowa, and DePaul were my top two.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay.

[Kate Martin]

And so that was hard to say no to them because I I was an Illinois kid, and then also I really wanted to play for Coach Bruno and Coach Pizzati and all of them. There they were, Am. And then my dad would kind of tell people, like, hey, like, we love you guys, but if Iowa comes knocking, like, just kind of just know it's going to be hard for her to say no. And so I remember I was hanging out with a friend, and Coach Bluder had been texting me and was like, hey, like, give me a call when you get a chance. And I was like, okay, yeah, whatever. I was like, I'll call her tomorrow or something. And my mom texted me, was like, you need to call Coach Bluder. And I was like, okay, this is weird. And so I remember calling Coach Bluder and she was like, I just want to let you know, like, we're offering you a scholarship. And I started crying. I was so excited. And then I went on a visit, like, a couple weeks later and committed on my way home because I just knew, like, it felt like home to me. I didn't want to do the recruiting process anymore. I just was so excited and always wanted to play for Coach Bluder and get to be around family at the same time. And so.

[Caitlin Clark]

So what? Wait, so what year was that?

[Kate Martin]

That was your 2017. I committed.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay.

[Kate Martin]

And then 2018, I went.

[Caitlin Clark]

You went. And then when did you tear your ACL?

[Kate Martin]

2018. Two days before the first practice.

[Caitlin Clark]

Oh, so you didn't even get to do a first practice, so. Yeah. You were lucky enough to do a first preseason.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Which is torture for those that don't know. And you never made it to a practice, so you got to redshirt, obviously, but that is something we have in common.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

I tore my ACL my freshman year also. Yeah. I was a little different in that it was. I tore it eight games in, so I actually couldn't even.

[Kate Martin]

Red shirt.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. I mean, it worked out, but there was. There was always, like, a small part of me that was like, I only played three years.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. It is weird. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

And I, like, I was there for.

[Kate Martin]

Six, so a little different. I'm, like, 40, leaving college.

[Caitlin Clark]

You said it. No joke, it. But I do know that, like, so tearing my acl, if some were to sit here and ask me the story of my career.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

That is, like, such a pivotal moment, for sure. Like, that injury at the time, the year was 1998. You weren't even born yet. There was a lot of unknowns around it, you know, And I think it was just a shock to the system for an 18 year old.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

But it really changed how I looked at everything, how I approached everything. So I'm curious, like, how did that impact you?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't change it for the world. Definitely was the best thing that happened to me for my career. In the moment, obviously you're like, why me? Like, like that was everybody's like, biggest fear is like tearing your, like always. I remember literally three days before, it.

[Caitlin Clark]

Was like the Achilles before the Achilles. Now I feel like it's the Achilles.

[Kate Martin]

It is, yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

But it was the ACL for sure.

[Kate Martin]

Three days before, I was out to eat with some of my teammates and our moms and they asked me, like, we were talking about our biggest fears and I was like, oh, my biggest fear is tearing my acl. And then three days later I did it.

[Caitlin Clark]

And how'd you do it?

[Kate Martin]

Like a, like an all state, like All Star game or like Illinois in the game? It was at the practice the day before the.

[Caitlin Clark]

Or was it like a jump stop? A cut?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I got a steal, was going in transition, like pro hop.

[Caitlin Clark]

And I just like a single leg.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay, so mine was a jump stop. Yeah, like a two leg jump stop.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. I think I like did like a little hop and like, must have like pushed off or landed funny. I don't really remember. But yeah, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I think, like, it humbled me a lot going from high school, kind of top dog to college. I got to sit back. And that year was an amazing year for us because we made it to the elite eight. So that was Megan Gustafson senior year, and we had some great leaders on that team. And I just remember being like, how are we ever going to top this? Like, it's all downhill from here. Like, little did I know, but I just learned how to be a good teammate first and be able to cheer others on. And then from then on, like, I just put everyone else above me, like, and it just really shaped my leadership, honestly. And so I felt really grateful to have that entire year and just learn a lot and get healthy and then be able to play from then on. But then people don't really know is like that next year I didn't really play much. I think I averaged like two minutes a game, if that. So it felt like I had been sitting out for two years. And so that was so. That was almost even harder for me. And I was like, I would have like, so, like, I was so selfish and in moments, because I'm like, gosh, like I just sat an entire year, and now it feels like I'm sitting out another. I'm wasting my time. Should I transfer? Like, am I ever going to play? Like, this is horrible. Like, just. I don't know. Like, because I had started my first exhibition game, too, so I thought I was going to start and play, and, like, it just. I was not ready. And now looking back on that, like, knowing that, like, yeah, I could have played, but still having to sit and, like, it's not a choice because it, like, I wasn't injured at this point anymore. Yeah, that's a whole different thing. And so that even taught me. Yes. How to be a better leader. Because then as a starter for the next three years, I knew how those players felt. And, like, I've been there before, and it's kind of come full circle, like last year, too, you know, like, as a rookie, like, you have to kind of sit back and sit on the bench and, like, learn how to be a good teammate. And so, yeah, I had gone through that before.

[Caitlin Clark]

Right. So obviously, you know, like you said, you go to the Elite Eight, and you're like, oh, my God, it's never going to get better than this. You know, Spoiler alert. It does.

[Kate Martin]

Yes.

[Caitlin Clark]

But you do have to be a leader on those two Final four runs. You obviously have a player like Caitlin who's on the team. I have to ask, like, when did you first hear about her and what were your first impressions of her? When she got to campus?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I. She had come on a couple of visits, and she was, like, a big name in Iowa, so I had heard about her. I wasn't from Iowa, so I didn't know as much in that, like, all Iowa Tech, like a you program is, like, so big. And I had no. Like, I never heard of it.

[Caitlin Clark]

I haven't heard.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. And so I was like, oh, whatever. But it's, like, a big thing in Iowa. And so I had heard about this Caitlin Clark, and I was, like, watching videos of her, just, like, having, like, 40 points, like, averaging a million in high school. And I was like, oh, this girl thinks she's gonna come here and rule the world, you know, like, whatever. It's gonna be, you know, whatever. And there she did. Came in right away and ruled the world. And I was like, all right, here we go.

[Caitlin Clark]

I know early, you guys. What I remember about that first. Your first year, like, together is you beat Iowa State, like, pretty early in the season. I felt like that put it on the map in a way, for sure.

[Kate Martin]

I would say so like, I just remember you have that summer before and she was doing things that I had never seen anybody do before. And as a freshman to come in and have that kind of confidence, like, not everybody has that. Like, I was like, I haven't really seen anything like this. And so we knew she was going to be outstanding. And then, yeah, the beginning of the year, we had some big wins and there was highs and lows that year for sure, but, you know, it took us a little bit to figure it out. But yeah, obviously turned out better than I could have ever expected or thought.

[Caitlin Clark]

Well, real quick, real quick, what did you notice about Caitlyn's, like, work ethic? Was there anything that stood out?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, she was in the gym constantly and it was like the way she approached everything too was like, it was like with a sort of excellence. It wasn't like, oh, I'm just gonna go through the motions and like, whatever. It was like, no, like, I'm here to kick your butt in every single drill, every single practice. Like, and especially whenever our like, gray squad guys were playing against us, it was like, if you're across from me, you're my enemy, you know, and like, I think that's just kind of how you have to approach things to get better. And she had that, you know, next level mindset and it really just raised us all up with her.

[Unknown]

Support for this show comes from pure leaf iced tea. You know that point in the afternoon when you just hit a wall. You don't have time for self care rituals or getting some fresh air. So maybe you grab a beverage to bring you back, but somehow it doesn't do the trick or it leaves you feeling even worse. What you need is a quality break, a tea break. And you can do that with pure leaf iced tea. Real brewed tea made in a variety of bold and refreshing flavors with just the right amount of naturally occurring caffeine. With a pure leaf iced tea in hand, you'll be left feeling refreshed and revitalized with a new motivation to take on what's next. The next time you need to hit the reset button, grab a pure leaf iced tea. Time for a tea break. Time for a pure leaf.

[Kate Martin]

The Starbucks summer berry refresher is officially back. Bold notes of raspberry, blueberry and BlackBerry shaken with ice and poured over raspberry flavored pearls. Try it with lemonade or coconut milk. Available for a limited time. Your summer berry refresher is ready at Starbucks.

[Caitlin Clark]

I just mailchimped my marketing.

[Kate Martin]

You mailchimped your what? I mailchimped my marketing with AI to create an effective marketing campaign in minutes.

[Caitlin Clark]

No mailchimp and whey.

[Kate Martin]

Yes, mailchimp and whey. Now I can hyper personalize my campaigns across email and sms. You can do all that with mailchimp. What did I just mailchimp and say?

[Sue Bird]

Mailchimp your marketing with the number one AI powered email marketing and automation platform Intuit. Mailchimp number one based on publicly available data on competitors customers. Plans vary. SMS available as add ons.

[Caitlin Clark]

Visit mailchimp.com yeah, I feel like, like looking back on it and then even just talking to you now it's like, yes, Caitlin is like a big focal point of the team. She's going to have to do a lot of the scoring, all the things. And you. It's almost like good cop, bad cop or something. Yeah, I don't mean it in like, no, no literal terms, but she just had to like be herself and that was going to win you games, but then you had to come in and kind of be like a calming effect and that. So I'm actually really curious as these teams start to take shape in 2023 and then 2024, like what was your leadership style in conjunction with a player like Caitlin but also the rest of your teammates?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I would say like definitely those first two years we definitely were working together to like, I was definitely more of like the calmer presence and being like, hey, like look me in the eyes, you know, deep breath, like it's all gonna be okay. And I think like the leadership style that I really had was just like trust. Like she trusted me. Cause she had seen me like putting in the work in the gym. She had, she knew how much I cared. Like I wasn't, I was only two years older than her, but like she, she believed that like I had her best interest in mind and like I showed her that over and over again. Like I built a relationship with her outside of basketball. I built, you know, I tried to build relationships with all my teammates outside of basketball. So it wasn't like the only time I'm talking to you is out on the court and telling you like, hey, like can't do that or like, hey, like do the, you know, whatever is.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, it's called relationship equity.

[Kate Martin]

Exactly. And so it's like I'm not, you know, I, I wouldn't listen to somebody trying to tell me what to do if they don't care about me as a person, you know.

[Caitlin Clark]

So I always say it's like you build that trust, you build that relationship equity. So you can yell at them.

[Kate Martin]

Yes, exactly.

[Caitlin Clark]

So you can tell them hard things.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. And so then, like, it became a thing where it's like, if we needed to get to Caitlin, you know, like, it was like, Kate, like, that was like, my job at times. And then like, her junior and sophomore year, like, she had done so much, like, work on herself and, like, how to be, like, a great teammate and all of us together that, like, I really. I didn't need to, like, I don't know, like, do all of that. Yeah. Manage that as much as, like, I had in the past. But I felt grateful that, you know, she trusted me enough and, like, I trusted her enough too, to where, like, it was a working relationship. And so then, yeah, I just kind of did that with all of my teammates and I felt grateful that, like, I was the person who could speak up.

[Caitlin Clark]

And it's also great when you're, like, rewarded, right? And you guys were rewarded in multiple ways, but one of them was getting to the final four.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Caitlin Clark]

So you get there in 20, 23 real quick. If you had to pick, like, kind of like a favorite highlight, like, getting to the final four, is it beating South Carolina and breaking their streak, is it, you know, getting to the final game, like, what would have been the moment?

[Kate Martin]

I would say beating South South Carolina.

[Caitlin Clark]

Was like, that was incredible.

[Kate Martin]

That was like the best moment ever. Cause like, we, like, all believed that we could make it to a final four. And so we were just like, all right, we made it to a final Four. Like, let's go. This is great. We didn't think we were gonna really make it to the national championship. Like, the undefeated South Carolina. You know, South Carolina, they're like twin towers down there. Like, just a very long, athletic, good team. And so when we, like, executed that game plan perfectly and beat them, that was probably one of the. That's like, still probably my career highlight.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. That's amazing. All right, so you did take your Covid year, which is why you ended up staying six years. That was a no brainer. Was there ever even a question?

[Kate Martin]

There were questions. Yeah. I didn't. I didn't think I wanted to stay just because there was people under me who had been working so dang hard to, like, you know, move up in the ranks and take that spot. And I felt a little bad. And then Monica Sonano was my best friend and she wasn't gonna be there. And I was like, I don't know if I can do it without her. Like, we had been together for five years, and I was like. I just. We had been roommates for four, so I really didn't want to do it without her. And then nil. And I was like, I can leave here with 20 grand in my pocket. And I was like, I'm doing it, Dad.

[Caitlin Clark]

20 grand in Iowa City? Hey, that's 100 grand.

[Kate Martin]

Exactly. So I was like, you know, and it's just funny. I say that story not to, like, brag, but because, like, of the numbers nowadays, they're, like, ridiculous. So I'm just like. It's kind of funny. It seems like that's child's play, but. Yeah. And then whenever I really thought about it, I could finish my Masters and, you know, go on another Final Four run. So then.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, and you did. You went on another Final Four run that. I feel like your two Iowa teams left a mark on women's college basketball, but also women's basketball at large. Is that, like, kind of crazy to think about, like, you were a part of something that was a cat, a catalyst for this, like, larger growth?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

That has to feel incredible.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, it is. It, like, doesn't really hit me until, like, people say. People say it and, like, bring it up, because you don't really think about it when you're in it. You're just doing it. Right. You're just, like, having fun with it. You're just hanging out with your friends. But, yeah, whenever, like, I think back on it or people bring it up to me, I'm like, yeah, that is. That is kind of crazy that we, you know, we played in front of 55, 000 people, you know, or like, we had million viewers. Yeah. We had the most viewed, you know, college game, wnba, NBA game. You know, it's just like, wow. Yeah. That I've been a part of some really, really cool times.

[Caitlin Clark]

Is that when Money Martin got born?

[Kate Martin]

I don't even know. I have no idea, because I read.

[Caitlin Clark]

Somewhere called the Glue.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

You're a woman of any nicknames you have a favorite? Like, where did these originate?

[Kate Martin]

No favorites.

[Caitlin Clark]

No favorite. Do you like Money Martin? Sure.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

I feel like the people like it.

[Kate Martin]

The people.

[Caitlin Clark]

You got to go with the people. All right. I do have to ask this one other question. Does it sting that you lost in two championship games?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, having let go of that at all.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Yeah, I've let go of it. It's like, the second one hurt way worse because we knew we didn't get another opportunity. Like, that was it, like, we. We kind of blew our chances. But I was just so proud. Like, there was so much bigger things happening. Like, you know, being a catalyst of.

[Caitlin Clark]

You know, that year was crazy.

[Kate Martin]

Everything.

[Caitlin Clark]

Everybody was following you.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. So, like, there was so many bigger things that were happening that it's like whenever you can. Like, whenever I look back on it, I'm like, okay, I can sleep at night and, you know, go out with a peace of mind because I know that, you know, it's not just about winning and losing. And really, like, we changed a lot. So just to be a part of that is something super special.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. So those teams, like, I was just saying, you guys had a ton of fanfare. I mean, I can only imagine, like, a version of the Heatles, like, when the Miami Heat was traveling around, like, everybody wants to see you, Everybody wants to see your games. Everybody's following you. Do you think that that attention, that level of attention, honestly, that level of scrutiny, do you think that helped prepare you for what was going to be your next chapter going into professional basketball?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I think so. Just. Yeah, I would say so. Because I think when it comes to the wnba, I. I definitely noticed more, like, negative. Like, I definitely noticed more negative.

[Caitlin Clark]

Really?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

So it's like, it's been all negative. Like, what's. So, like, what's going on?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, it's that. Yeah, it's actually Coach Bluder and Caitlin and our whole entire Iowa squad. We did, like, such a good job of learning how to block out outside noise whenever we were in the heat of that. Cause it's like, the negative stuff can be bad, but the positive can be just as bad as the negative. Sometimes, like, if you're gonna live for a good from some random person, you're going to die.

[Caitlin Clark]

High, high with the highs, lows with the lows. You can't get caught up in either.

[Kate Martin]

Absolutely. And so that first Final Four run, I deleted my social media for the entire season. So it was like six, seven months. And so I'm doing the same this year for. With social media. Just because something so new, like, there's so much going on, and I'm just like, I. I don't need the positive. I don't need the negative. I just really smart, need to focus on my team.

[Caitlin Clark]

I feel like a lot of players should take that advice. Yeah, I used to do. Was not what it is now.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

On so many levels. But just even what was happening in social media in general wasn't what it was like a couple of years ago. But I sit on all of our playoffs I would get off much. Yeah. And it's just there's nothing real on there. And yet people.

[Kate Martin]

Nothing.

[Caitlin Clark]

Take it as if it's real.

[Kate Martin]

Believe people.

[Caitlin Clark]

Believe it. Yeah. We could do a whole other podcast on that.

[Kate Martin]

Could we?

[Caitlin Clark]

But we now have arrived at the draft.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

So you were the 18th pick. Obviously, the Aces took you famously from the audience. So can you take us through, like, what that day was like? Just that experience in general.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Well, Caitlin obviously was projected number one overall, and she invited me, Gabby Marshall and Jada Gymfy.

[Caitlin Clark]

I know you guys went to snl, right?

[Kate Martin]

Yes. Yes. So we went and we flew in Saturday, and Caitlin was going to be on SNL that night. So we're all excited. And we're walking through the airport, and we run into Malaysia, Melissa McCarthy. And we're like, this trip is gonna be amazing. Like, we knew.

[Caitlin Clark]

Best day of my life.

[Kate Martin]

Yes. From the jump. We took a picture with her and she's like, why do you girls look like you do push ups for a living? And I'm like, blushing, like, oh, my God. And we tell her we played for Iowa, and she's like, my daughters love you guys. And so I'm like, Melissa McCarthy's watched us play basketball. So that was a great start. Snl. And then the next day, we went to and explored New York City, US 3. Caitlin had a bunch of, like, draft stuff. So I was living my best life, which I was so happy I didn't get invited to distract.

[Caitlin Clark]

Also, like, just get to go do your thing.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. I didn't know what was gonna happen, like, if I was gonna get drafted or not. But, like, the people who did get invited to the draft, they were busy, like, every hour of every day. And I was like, on top of.

[Caitlin Clark]

The Empire State Building.

[Kate Martin]

I was going to the 911 memorial, you know, like, I was exploring New York City. And then draft day comes around, and we dressed up, like, all three days.

[Caitlin Clark]

I was just gonna ask.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

If you planned your fit.

[Kate Martin]

No, not. Like, I just dressed up just to dress up. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

You're going to a nice event.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, like, I was going to a nice event. Like, I didn't want to look like a scrub. Yeah. And Caitlin's agent, who has become my agent as well, she was there, and we were on the subway heading to the draft, and she was like, hey, like, if you hear your name, like, you should walk across the stage. And I was like, no. I was like, that's so.

[Caitlin Clark]

I had not been preparing for that.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. I was like, that's really Embarrassing, like. Cause I. And like. Well, in mock drafts, I was like, late third round.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay.

[Kate Martin]

So that's all I had seen. And I only seen one mock draft with my name even on it.

[Caitlin Clark]

Cause you got rid of social media.

[Kate Martin]

Well, no, no, no. Just because.

[Caitlin Clark]

How'd you see that Lock draft, Kate.

[Kate Martin]

No, no, no. This was 2023 when I deleted it. This is 2024. So I was like, no, I'm just not gonna do. I'm just. I don't know. This is weird. And so, yeah, for all the people who didn't know or like, think I actually knew, I genuinely had no idea.

[Caitlin Clark]

Well, you knew when you scooted over.

[Kate Martin]

Yes, I knew because they told me. They were like, hey, scoot over your like. And there's a camera from me to you.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah.

[Kate Martin]

And I'm like, it's kind of obvious that.

[Caitlin Clark]

Well, do you know that in draft. It's like a lot of people don't know this. So in a draft, the number one pick goes. Let's say a draft starts at 5pm the number one pick goes. And the number two pick does have two minutes on the clock.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

And then the number three pick and so on and so forth. But because it's a TV produced thing, it's basically like two and a half rounds are done before we even know the top 10 picks.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

So a lot of people don't know that. So it's like, of course they knew your pick was coming. They probably knew for like 20 minutes.

[Kate Martin]

Nobody. Nobody messaged me. Like, it's not like the NFL where you're like getting a call before.

[Caitlin Clark]

I wish it was.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. So I'm like, they actually told me to hand my phone to my friends, so I did. And so I couldn't even text my family or tell them. And they were back home having a wash party in the garage. And so it was just hilarious. So, yeah, that was just a great night and we all got to celebrate with our friends and Caitlin's family and everything. And so it was just honestly, a really cool moment and something I'll obviously never forget and just forever grateful for that opportunity.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, it didn't hurt to go to the Las Vegas Aces. I mean, star studded. Everybody knows. When you first get there. What are your initial impressions of Becky?

[Kate Martin]

Oh, she was great.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, Becky was great. I mean, I just. Just such a smart basketball mind. And so getting to learn from her and all those other vets was amazing for me. And like, I was just wowed. Like, I had like, Vegas was Vegas, and I like you know, it's, like, got its own, like, stereotypes of, like, gambling, like, flashy money.

[Caitlin Clark]

Have you ever been before?

[Kate Martin]

I had been one time for, like, a networking thing the summer before. But, yeah. And so it was just a lot, like, I was overwhelmed. I was still finishing my master's, like, finishing school. And so Becky was great. She was super cool. And I. She's from, like, the Midwest area, too, so we kind of related a lot in that way. And her kids were. Are the cutest things ever, so I miss them dearly. But, yeah, she was great.

[Caitlin Clark]

What about when you first met Asia? What were your impressions there?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, well, the first time I had even seen her, she was, like, driving in her very nice car, and I remember texting my friends, like, oh, my God. I just saw Asia driving her, like, whatever kind of car it was, and it was hilarious. But she was just so nice to me, and I didn't. Like, you never really know how it's going to be.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah.

[Kate Martin]

I think, like, sometimes outside impressions, people are like, oh, like, the league isn't super welcoming, whatever. But, like, everybody was just so great to me and, like, welcomed me with open arms and, you know, really just, like, wanted me to do well. They wanted to set me up for success. They wanted me to, like. They want everybody to make the team. Like, you really do. But, like, it's just hard as, you know, like, It's. There's only 12 spots, whatever. And so Asia was great to me from the jump, and, like, obviously you see her everywhere and, like, you know how great of a career she's had, so I was obviously a little nervous, but then right away, like, she made. She calmed my nerves because she was just so welcoming.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, I love that you said that, because the thing I've noticed, we've already kind of established how social media is a cesspool when it comes to the wnba, especially currently. And I love that you said, like, you were welcomed.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

And in my experience, that is the rule.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

That's not the exception to the rule. And it feels like the narratives that have gotten formed in our league, it's like the exception to the rule gets spun as if it's the rule. It's like the small little thing that happens gets taken as if it's always happening. Right. Like, one person might not like somebody. Now the whole league doesn't like somebody. You know, one. You get it.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

So I love that you said that, mainly because that has been my experience. But you did describe Asia as one of the best leaders you've been around. So I'm actually really curious about Asia's leadership, but, like, as you experienced it and then maybe what you took to add to, like, your leadership package.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I would say, like, Asia, I think she, like, took the brunt of, like, everything, like, every loss or, like, every. Like, she felt that, you know, and she took, like, ownership and like, that's hard to do, especially at, like, when you're that good and you're, you know, mvp, like, just back to back world champions, and like, being able to take, like, getting yelled at, too, whenever you're one of the best in the league. Like, a lot of people don't handle that well, and she handled that with grace. And, like, it's like, for her to be able to stomach that and take that shows, like, every other person. Person in this locker room should be able to take it too, you know, and handle that. And so, like, that was one way she led. And then just by, like, always checking in on people, you know, like, it's not like you have to be the most vocal person, but, like, everybody in that locker room knew, like, she had your back. And so I think that was, you know, one of the ways that she just really. They had, like, great success in the years prior. And then, like, what I learned from it was building those relationships, like, having people's backs, you know, like, being able to take getting yelled at and, like, knowing it's gonna be okay. And then, like, just like, also having that calming presence, like, she really has that where it's like, sounds like you.

[Caitlin Clark]

And Iowa, if I'm being honest.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, honestly. I mean. Yeah, I guess. But, like, she just. Like, we would lose and, like, it was like, hey, we're gonna learn from it. It's gonna be okay. This is a long season. Like, let's build on it, yada, yada, yada. Because, like, I didn't know that was one thing I had to learn is, like, how long of a season it is.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, it's a lot more losing, too.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

And there's like, like, the potential to lose.

[Kate Martin]

Yes.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Everybody's so good. So that was something I definitely learned from her.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. I mean, to me, it's. It actually really doesn't sound that different from how you described yourself in Iowa. And really what that proves is it doesn't matter, like, what your role is. It doesn't matter, you know, like, where you are on the team. It just matters that you're being authentic to yourself. So it sounds like that was her. It sounds like that was also what you Did. I am curious about your relationship with Plum.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Only because I was watching your game against the Sparks, and there was this moment. I don't remember exactly what happened, where you got knocked down or fell down and you kind of got swatted. Okay. You got swatted. I actually, like, truly didn't remember, but didn't want to bring it up anyways. You're on the floor. You're on the ground. You're now a Valkyrie. You look up, you put your hands up for some help, and it's Plum, and she doesn't move. She just totally shrugs you off. So I know you guys are cool, and that's why I'm curious about that moment. Yeah. And then you got up. You kind of gave her one a little shoulder.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I had to.

[Caitlin Clark]

I was cracking up. Mainly because I know you guys have such a good relationship.

[Kate Martin]

No, it's just.

[Caitlin Clark]

So, what did you, like, like, learn from her about being a pro?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, she. Oh, gosh. Like, she is the most fit person I've ever been around in my entire life. Like, the hardest worker. Just literally definition of a workhorse. She's just always, like, trying to get better. Like, it. I've never seen anything like it. Like, she has the most stamina, like, the best endurance of literally anybody, and that's just because she works so hard. Like, it's honestly phenomenal to watch. And I felt really grateful, like, I would. Last year, I got to, like, do all, like, my pregame workouts with her, and she would, like, take me with her, and, like, that is, like, really about the bands. Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

You know, the band work.

[Kate Martin]

Pilates.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, Brook, Pilates.

[Kate Martin]

So I just felt really grateful that she even, like, let me do that with her, because, like, that's. You know, as a pro, you get into your routine. And so the fact that she, like, let me in on that was, like, really nice. And so, you know, I've taken tidbits here and there from her with that, but, yeah, that moment, I was cracking up.

[Caitlin Clark]

I knew exactly what happened.

[Kate Martin]

I got swatted.

[Caitlin Clark]

I was like.

[Kate Martin]

I actually hit the ball out of bounds because I didn't want it to be, like, live. Like, so I, like. I smacked the ball out of bounds, and I turn around, and none of my teammates are around, and I only see one person, and I see it's her, and I. I just knew she wasn't going to help me up, and so I had to give her a little shoulder bump as I was running by. But, yeah, it's all love. It just cracked me up because I. I just knew she wasn't gonna help me.

[Caitlin Clark]

That's just.

[Sue Bird]

USAA knows dynamic duos can save the day like superheroes and Sidekicks or auto and home insurance. With usaa, you can bundle your auto and home and save up to 10%. Visit usaa.com bundle bundled savings are off total premium not available in all states or in all situations. To qualify, auto policy must be active prior to property policy issues. Subject to change restrictions apply. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA means United Services Automobile association and its affiliates San Antonio, Texas this message.

[Caitlin Clark]

Is brought to you by Abercrombie Kids. Your place to shop everything they need for a summer full of memories. Kids can never have too many shorts and tees and Abercrombie Kids has endless options.

[Kate Martin]

Planning a water park or beach trip.

[Caitlin Clark]

Get them new swim with next level comfort. Summer's calling Answer with Abercrombie Kids. Shop in store, online or in the app. Introducing the new Volvo XC90 with seven seat versatility, Google built in and advanced safety features for all your precious cargo. The new Volvo XC90 designed for life.

[Sue Bird]

Visit volvocars.comewell to learn more.

[Caitlin Clark]

I'm curious, so now that you are into your second year, like what do you think what makes the WNBA so difficult to play in?

[Kate Martin]

Man, I mean I just think the physicality, speed, smart players, like really smart players and people have been around for so long. Honestly. Yeah, I mean I'm just thinking back to like New York. They're massive. They are, you know, like yeah, they're very, very, very good. Like a lot of these people have been playing professional basketball for a very long time.

[Caitlin Clark]

So what's the hardest part about it? For you specifically?

[Kate Martin]

For me specifically? Well, with the Valkyries I would say like we're all just kind of figuring it out right now. You know, it's brand new team scoring is not easy. Like people who average like however many points. Like it's honestly so impressive. Like I've never been more impressed by basketball than like now like basketball is a simple game but that doesn't mean it's easy. It's an easy game but yeah like it people work really hard. They are long, they're big, they're fast, they're physical. So me just like having to learn how to be patient, play off of two feet, play in control. That is something you know, I'm still working on because sometimes you're like trying to do the right thing always and like make the right read but then you forget like hey, just Go play basketball. Like, it's. It's basketball at the end of the day. And so I'm an overthinker. I think that's been my biggest struggle. And, like, something I'm still working on is, like, it's okay to make mistakes. You don't have to be perfect in every moment. And, like, to give myself grace, it's not easy to do. But, yeah, I would say that's definitely been my biggest struggle, is I will dwell. I will do, like, 10 good things, and I will focus on the one or two bad things that I.

[Caitlin Clark]

Well, you know, so I always say that they have a six player of the year award for a reason.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, it's not just to give someone, like, a bonus or, like, a ribbon. It's because it's really, really hard to come off the bench in what is a version of limited minutes compared to starters. It's not always that case. But you get my point in a limited amount of time and be really impactful.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

That is one of, I think, the hardest things. And anytime I've been around a teammate who's been able to do that, at times it's more impressive.

[Kate Martin]

Oh, yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Than the star player who just has that ultra green light. And you've kind of already brought up the balance and trying to find that in terms of when to be aggressive, you know, two feet, that whole thing. And so I would like to, like, deep dive that a little bit more. Like what? So you've already kind of brought up some things. Like, what are. If you had to pick a couple areas in your game that you think if you could focus on these couple things, it could take you to another level.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Like, first of all, like, sometimes I'll sit for. It'll be like, an entire first quarter, you know, halfway into the second quarter. And, like, I've been sitting for however many minutes now, and, like, your body's cold.

[Caitlin Clark]

You're cold.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, you are. Like, it's just the reality of it. It's not an excuse. It is what it is. Like, I think things that I can work on is, like, not coming in and just, like, jacking up the first three. Like, as soon as I get in, like, trying to get to the paint or get to the free throw line, just, like, really focusing your energy on defense and, like, things that you can control. So, like, I know I can control my communication. I know I can control my effort. I know I can control, like, knowing personnel and, like, working really hard on defense or getting a rebound. So, like, just even touching the ball, getting a rebound, things like that, that helps me as soon as I come into the game, you know, and then, like, maybe just, like, trying to get a few passes in, getting into the flow, cutting a couple times, and then, like, if I'm open, I'm gonna shoot it. You know, if I have the right drive, I'm gonna, you know, go attack the rim or, you know, make the right passes. But, yeah, that. Those are some things that, like, I always try to focus on is just, like, everything that I can control always. But, like, really, those are my main focuses as soon as I go in, because I've been sitting for however long. And so it's like, that can really help me get into the flow of the game and then, like, get me really locked in mentally there.

[Caitlin Clark]

Are there any players that you've either played with and you've seen them do it or players maybe you've seen from afar and you've seen how they've handled it, where, I don't know, you're trying to maybe learn from them or even, like, get in contact with them?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. I would say last year, Alicia Clark was somebody I really knew.

[Caitlin Clark]

No, I was gonna say the player that sticks out to me in this regard is Alicia Clark, because I was witness to her entire journey.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Up until I retired, basically, like, Well, I guess she did leave the Storm a couple of years prior to that, but I really witnessed her entire journey. So I'm curious what. What you've learned from her.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I learned from Alicia just, like, there's so much more than just scoring points. There's so much more than, you know, being that star out there. Alicia watches film like nobody I've ever seen. She's very intentional with everything she does, and that's just, like. It gains a level of respect from all of her teammates. And so she's just like a type of person, the type of person who is always ready when her number is called. And she's going to know the scout better than anybody, probably even better than the coaches. You know, she's going to.

[Caitlin Clark]

She would pull stuff out. Like, Kayla McBride going right at this elbow. She shoots 50%. Going left from this elbow, literally. I know.

[Kate Martin]

That's the thing she would tell me. And so I would ask her a couple of questions on, like, how she watches film and, like, how she breaks.

[Caitlin Clark]

It down, because that was a separator for her defensively.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, 100%. And so there's still ways, like, I can get better in that regard. But, yeah, just being able to have a Leader like that last year with the Aces was just super beneficial for me because she hasn't had this, like, perfect journey. She's been through a lot of highs and lows, a lot of ups and downs, and has remained true to herself through the entire thing. And that's so impressive to, like, handle yourself with such grace whenever things don't go your way and you have a lot of hard times. Yeah, it takes a special person to do that. And so, yeah, she's definitely somebody who I would watch, you know, some games she would start, some games she wouldn't. It didn't matter.

[Caitlin Clark]

Sometimes she beat the four.

[Kate Martin]

Exactly.

[Caitlin Clark]

It didn't matter.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Yeah. Like, sometimes she was guarding, like, Jonquil Jones, and then sometimes she would be guarding, like, Skylar Diggins, you know, so it's like being able to be versatile like that. You're always going to have a spot on the court. And so if there's anybody I would tell people to watch and, like, be more like, it's Alicia Clark, for sure.

[Caitlin Clark]

I love that. Same. So you've learned a lot from a lot of different people as you've gone. What do you think you're bringing to the Valkyries now?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I would say I. I've been loving the Valkyries. I love all my teammates. They're great coaching staff. It's phenomenal. Top down. What I've been trying to bring is, like, I really feel like I have been able to bring, like, a lot of energy, a lot of, like, fun. And, like, that's something like, I try to do every single day is, like, hype up my teammates like no other. And. And it just makes it more fun. It makes me feel, like, more like myself. Like, I really did that at Iowa a lot. And like, last year, you were just trying to kind of survive, and then like, now this year, it's like, oh, my second year. Like, I really feel like I'm kind of getting back into that groove, but honestly, I'm just trying to make an impact. That's my main goal, is just to make an impact. My main goal was to first just make the team. That's what I wanted to do.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. Wait, so were you. I'm actually curious, were you. How did you feel about the whole expansion draft?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I was really excited.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

So when you weren't protected, were you, like, kind of expecting that and then it was like, whatever happens, happens?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I was kind of expecting that. I mean, you just looked at the roster and you're like, there's just, like, too many good players. It's a business, like.

[Caitlin Clark]

Right, okay.

[Kate Martin]

You know, like it is what it is.

[Caitlin Clark]

Was it. Did it feel nerve wracking in any way? Like on the day of.

[Kate Martin]

Well, I did get informed the day before the expansion draft, but like up until then I didn't know if I had been protected or not.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay.

[Kate Martin]

And so.

[Caitlin Clark]

Oh, yeah, that's right. They don't actually tell you.

[Kate Martin]

They told some people. People. But they didn't. I was not.

[Caitlin Clark]

No, it's actually smart. They don't tell.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Because that would just be.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, that'd be messed up. Yeah. And so I. Yeah, when I got told I was going to get picked up, I was just super excited for another opportunity. Like some people don't get opportunities to go to a training camp or like, you know, get the opportunity to make a team. And so the fact that I knew I was going to get another shot, I was excited and felt really grateful for it. So. Yeah, I was, was, I was really happy.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean. Yeah, now you're in the Bay. It's a new franchise. Season tickets were sold out immediately. I've heard home games are insane.

[Kate Martin]

They are.

[Caitlin Clark]

The owners have come out, they said a chip within the first five years. So the expectations are high. But like you said it was an opportunity to make a team and. And you did. So what has that excitement of a new franchise been like?

[Kate Martin]

It's been like.

[Caitlin Clark]

It's got to be insane.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, it's been awesome. Like, the fans really are so loud.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, it has been awesome in Chase center and they, they've been sticking with it the whole game. Like when we were losing to LA the first game, they stayed the entire time and they cheered us on from the first minute to the last minute. And so that means a lot as a team, like seeing your fans stay like and cheer for you. They were invested. It was just really cool. And like you see people in the Bay Area just wearing Valkyries gear all the time. It really feels like people are excited about it. Yeah, it is.

[Caitlin Clark]

It's really good colors.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. And people are excited about it. And so it just feels really cool to be part of that history, a part of something so new. And we obviously know it's going to be like a huge learning year for us, but I'm grateful to do it with all of the girls on this roster.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah, you have a lot of vets. That's what makes the team interesting. So first, from whether it's Temmie, Kayla, Tip, Tiffany Hayes, does it feel, does it feel like they have a Little bit of a chip on their shoulder, given that. Except for tip, like, people came through the expansion draft or it's just, hey, we're starting something new here. We want to set a foundation.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I think it. It definitely seems like people's focus is just like, here with us and like, whatever happened, happened. But yeah, I mean, I think, think in ways people can be like, oh, like, man, I didn't get protected, like, as like an athlete, you know, it's. It's kind of hard not to be like, oh, they didn't want motivation, you know, like. Or like, kind of feels like a failure in some type of way, or like rejection maybe is a better word. But it. Everybody's, like, energy, everybody's excitement to get better and to learn and to build each other up has been phenomenal. So it doesn't feel like there's any chips on the shoulder. But obviously we do really want to win. And, like, that's kind of how Coach Nat is anyways. Like, has, like, that's kind of like her mind is like, kind of play with like a chip on your shoulder anyways, because, like, it doesn't matter. Like, we just want to win. Like, we really do. And, like, our goal is just 1% better every single day. Like, you know, yeah, it is. And so it's like, you know, sometimes we're going to have short term pain, but we're looking for long term results here. So it's like, like, we know it's not going to be instant, but, you know, it's. It's. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. Right now we went through a rebuild in Seattle right around when we got Jewel Lloyd. So we get Jewel, she's the number one pick. We start going through this rebuild. Jenny Busek was actually one of the assistants for the Pacers. Yeah. She's our head coach, and I thought the best thing she ever did was tell us, like, we are not judged by wins and losses.

[Kate Martin]

Yes.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, that is not how we're judging ourselves.

[Kate Martin]

Not at all.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, and in a way, it just takes the pressure off of that because if you get. If you only judge yourself by wins and losses, it can be a long season when you're trying to build. It's just the reality. And so we were only judging ourselves based on what you just said. Like, did we execute? Did we get better? Right. Are we moving in the right direction? She had these pillars about all kinds of stuff, and it was like, are we doing that? So I do love to hear that. Something else, though, I Do find really interesting about your team. I call you guys Euroleague Lite because it's, like, so many international players, but they all play. There's a style to euroleague if you've ever played in it or seen it, and they all play that way. So you guys are Euroleague lite. What have the international players brought to the team?

[Kate Martin]

Oh, just a lot of fun, honestly.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, I mean, they're young, too.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, they're young, but, like, also, it's just been. It's been really fun, like, mixing the cultures, mixing the languages. You know, like, some people are talking in French over here. You know, some people are talking.

[Caitlin Clark]

I know. You've never played overseas.

[Kate Martin]

No.

[Caitlin Clark]

Now you have. Yes.

[Kate Martin]

Literally, I'm like, this is. This is a great experience. I've only played with one international player before in college. And so, like, this is really.

[Caitlin Clark]

Translations, people on. It feels like you're on tape delay.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah.

[Caitlin Clark]

Because the translation takes a second.

[Kate Martin]

I really love it. Honestly, it's. It's been a lot of fun. But, yeah, they brought, like, a crazy spark. Like, they very high iq, like, want to play fast, and, yeah, they just get out and go, go, go. And so that's how we want to play too. You know, we want to play fast, and we want to. You know, as you guys have probably can see with the numbers, we want to shoot a lot of threes, too. And so their experience, like, yeah, they're young, but they. They've been playing pro for way more, like, a really long time. So they have a lot of experience, and they've brought a lot of fun to the. To the team, for sure.

[Caitlin Clark]

You already brought up Nat Natalie Nakase, head coach. What have you seen? So she was an assistant with Vegas. What have you seen, like, in her? Just, like, that evolution to go. It's different when you put the head coaching hat on. Sure, yeah. So what have you seen in her?

[Kate Martin]

I mean, honestly, not much of a change besides, like, the title and, like, her just, like. Like, having to be, you know, the vocal spokesperson is, like, delegating a lot now. Like, she lets her assistants do, you know, run drills or whatever, but obviously she's, you know, the main person who's gonna speak up. But she. She has not changed a singular bit where she is very fiery. Like, she's. She's gonna get on you if you need it, but she's also gonna love you up when. When you need it as well. And she's honestly, like, has taken off so much pressure from us, it feels like, because she really doesn't care about mistakes. Like, all she cares about is like, are you going 100% and are you doing it with the right intent? And if you're doing that, that's all she can ask for. And she's also the type of person who, like, she. She's probably like, the most self accountable person I've ever met in my life. Like, we mess up something and she's like, guys, that's my fault. I didn't prepare you well enough. And we're like, coach, stop saying that. Like, that is our fault, you know, but it, like, it's nice to, like, you know, see your head coach take accountability because it, like, makes us all want to take accountability, too. And so she's great. I honestly, like, couldn't ask for anything more. Like, I feel really grateful I get to play for her.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay, so once the season does come to an end and you look back, what do you think? Like, what are the markers for success for the Golden State Valkyries this year?

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I mean, obviously we always want to win. Like, yes, we know we're a new team and we have a lot to figure out, but winning is important to us as it is, everyone. We don't want to live or die by a win or a loss, but we do want to win because we obviously would love to make the playoffs. But. But I think it's just like the little goals within the team and just like, getting that 1% better, you know, focusing on the process, not the results, but I think, you know, just setting ourselves up for future success and learning from every single win, learning from every single loss, and sticking together as a team. I think that's going to be huge for us. But, yeah, we'll. We'll see. You know, where it's a. I feel like we're. Have you ever had fish before?

[Caitlin Clark]

Yes.

[Kate Martin]

Yes. And you know how, like, whenever you transfer the fish over and you have to, like, set the plastic bag, like, in the water to, like, acclimate it?

[Caitlin Clark]

What kind of fish? No, I haven't had.

[Kate Martin]

You've never seen that?

[Caitlin Clark]

No. Are you, like, poaching it? No, no, no. Like, comfy.

[Kate Martin]

You have to, like, you can't just, like, throw the fish in the water. Like, it has to act like a live fish. Yes. You have to, like.

[Caitlin Clark]

No, I've not gone fishing. I've ate. I've had fish for dinner.

[Kate Martin]

No, no, I mean, like, I'm not an outdoorsy person. No, no.

[Caitlin Clark]

Like, goldfish. This took a turn.

[Kate Martin]

Goldfish.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay. Yes, goldfish.

[Kate Martin]

Yes. Like, we're just acclimating Got it. We're, we're, we're, we're getting warm.

[Caitlin Clark]

You're in the bag.

[Kate Martin]

Yes, we're in the bag. And we're acclimating to our surroundings and we're figuring each other out. And I think we're, you know, going to find our way for sure. And so it's just all about, like, who's in the locker room and, like, how are we going to handle the adversity. And I think, think, you know, we're, we're going to do a great job of that with our leadership, for sure.

[Caitlin Clark]

You really threw me with the fish. I was like, I just had a really good omakase the other day.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, I don't even like fish like that.

[Caitlin Clark]

You just like transferring them.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah. Well, I had six fish in college. Like, oh, like pets.

[Caitlin Clark]

Okay.

[Kate Martin]

All right.

[Caitlin Clark]

Kate, that was amazing.

[Kate Martin]

Yeah, that's it.

[Caitlin Clark]

Yeah. Thank you for coming. Okay, so that's it for the interview. I really enjoyed getting to know Kate. What sticks out the most is how every step of the way she has gained experience, has gained knowledge, whether it was at Iowa with the Las Vegas Aces or now with the Valkyries. And she continues to add all of that to her own type of leadership and her own play. I personally love that she's learned so much from Alicia Car. As I mentioned, I played with AC Especially in that first part of her career. And her whole mantra when she first started was, don't unpack. You're in training camp. Don't unpack your clothes. You made the team. Don't unpack. It's year two. Don't unpack. And all that means is don't get comfortable, don't get complacent. And the way Kate speaks about her journey, you can tell she isn't doing any of that. Plus, she likes fish as pets. This episode is a co production of Together and Vox Media. Our producers are Tommy Alter, Jason Gallagher, Richie Bozek, Harry Krinsky, Jess Clarendon and Jasmine Ellis.

[Unknown]

Support for this show comes from pure leaf iced tea. When you find yourself in the afternoon slump, you need the right thing to make you bounce back. You need pure leaf iced tea. It's real brewed tea made in a variety of bold flavors with just the right amount of naturally occurring caffeine. You're left feeling refreshed and revitalized so you can be ready to take on what's next. The next time you need to hit the reset button, grab a pure leaf iced tea. Time for a tea break. Time for a pure leaf.