“Short-term pain, but we’re looking for long-term results”: Kate Martin makes Valkyries’ intentions clear amid veterans’ 'chip-on-the-shoulder' talk

Kate Martin got her fresh start with the Golden State Valkyries. After spending most of her rookie year on the bench, the former Iowa star was recruited by the WNBA's 13th team under the expansion draft for the 2025 season.

The Valkyries received players who were not protected by their previous team. Quite obviously, all 12 teams didn't give up their best player. On Friday's episode of Sue Bird's "Bird's Eye View" podcast, the WNBA legend asked Martin if the players on the team had a "chip on their shoulder."

Martin shared her teammates' mindset and the message from Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase.

"Everybody's like energy everybody's excitement to get better and to learn and to build each other up has been phenomenal," Martin said (Timestamp: 54:50). "So, it doesn't feel like there's any chips on the shoulder but obviously, we do really want to win, and that's kind of how Coach Nat is.

"Her mind is like, 'Play with like a chip on your shoulder anyways.' ... We just want to win and our goal is just 1% better every single day. Sometimes we're going to have short-term pain but we're looking for long-term results here. We know it's not going to be instant, it's a marathon, not a sprint."

After seven games, the Valkyries are 11th in the WNBA this season with a 2-5 record.

Kate Martin reveals her first impression of Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin's friendship is as wholesome as it could get between teammates.

However, this friendship goal story didn't have the best start. When Sue Bird asked the Valkyries star about her first impression of Clark, Martin said that she first doubted the effect that Clark would have on women's basketball.

"I had heard about this Caitlin Clark and I was watching videos of her having like 40 points and averaging like a million in high school and I was like, 'Oh this girl thinks she is gonna come here rule the world.' And there she did, came in right away and ruled the world," Martin said.

While Clark has been recovering from her quad injury, Martin has also leaned into getting her rhythm going after a slow start in the sophomore season. She is averaging 6.5 points and shooting 42.1% from the 3-point line in six games.