"I just love playing with you": $110,000 WNBA star makes public declaration about Kate Martin after Valkyries star's latest post

Sophomore guard Kate Martin is enjoying her first season with WNBA expansion team Golden State Valkyries. The Iowa Hawkeyes alumna shared a carousel of photos on Instagram on Monday, showing her in action in a Valkyries uniform with her teammates.

"Just having fun with it," she captioned the photos.

Various reactions hit the comments section of her post, including one from veteran teammate Monique Billings, who was pictured in the last slide with Martin.

Billings, who signed a one-year, $110,000 contract to play in Golden State after splitting time with Dallas and Phoenix last season, wrote:

"I just love playing with you ☺️"

Screenshot of Monique Billings's reaction to Kate Martin's IG post via @katemartin

Kate Martin and Billings were part of the 11 players selected by the Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft last December. Both have been key pieces in the rotation in Golden State (7-6), with Billings averaging 8.2 points and 5.5 rebounds and Martin averaging 5.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

Valkyries coach says Kate Martin is an important piece of the team

Kate Martin appears to be an important piece in what the Valkyries are trying to build in the Bay Area.

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said Martin was a priority for the team when she was made available in the expansion draft.

"She was my No. 1 priority from Vegas," Nakase told reporters (via Hawk Central). "In the expansion draft, we handpicked players that embody our culture: hard-working, mental toughness and ultra-competitive."

"Kate fits all of those. Kate is our culture."

Kate Martin played her rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces, who selected her with the 18th pick in the 2024 WNBA draft after a solid collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. In Vegas, she saw limited minutes but was a fan favorite.

Now with Golden State, she is looking to have more playing time and impact.

The Valkyries have won five of their last six games. They are in sixth place with a 7-6 record. Golden State will face the defending champion, New York Liberty, at home on Wednesday.

About the author

Michael Murillo is a journalist who covers basketball and MMA at Sportskeeda with over two decades of experience. Michael has contributed as a proofreader, columnist and journalist for the Philippine broadsheet BusinessWorld.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in English Studies, basketball caught Michael's imagination from an early age. Varsity basketball helped Michael to express himself, and later, it opened doors into the world of journalism.

Michael has a particular admiration for the Phoenix Suns, inspired by Kevin Durant. Icons like Magic Johnson and modern legends like Durant have left an indelible mark on Michael for their revolutionary impact on the game.

Michael relies on the tried and tested method of thorough research to ensure accuracy in his content. He has interviewed multiple NBA players and officials with BusinessWorld, alongside athletes from various disciplines.

Michael's hobbies include traveling, hitting the gym and watching movies, and he spends much of his downtime seeing his family.

Know More

Edited by Ruth John S