Family of former Hawkeye Kate Martin thrilled to see her drafted in WNBA
Kate Martin has always wanted to play in the WNBA. This week, her parents saw that dream become one step closer to reality.
"Everything is moving so fast," Jill Martin said.
On Monday, the Las Vegas Aces drafted Martin in the second round as the 18th pick overall. Her parents say the excitement has been exhilarating, but they were unaware of how much national attention their daughter would receive.
"There is something that people like about Kate. People are rooting for her. I think you can see it," her father, Matt Martin, said.
Kate Martin grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois, but her parents now live in the Quad Cities. They say she wanted to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes since she was 5 years old. She is now part of a historic team that competed in back-to-back NCAA championships.
Martin's teammates have lovingly called her "the glue" that has kept her teams together. Those who know her best say her grace and leadership make her destined to be a coach someday.
"If you know the history of the Las Vegas Aces and their championship pedigree, and you know the history of their coach, Ms. Hammon, what better place?" Matt Martin said. "If Kate is going to be a coach, what better place for Kate to learn. It's funny how things work out the way they are supposed to be."
Martin's father says, initially, they were hoping she would be drafted to the same team as Caitlin Clark, but they are happy she was picked by the Las Vegas Aces.
Clark, of course, went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever.
"Caitlin was over last night, and we were packing. I said, 'Are you guys sad about all this?'" Jill Martin said. "They said no. They are fine with it. They are excited about it. I think it will be fun for them to play against each other."
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