Kate Martin’s journey to her current place in the WNBA hasn’t been easy. As a role player, Martin didn’t have very many eyes on her coming out of college and wasn’t even sure if she would make a WNBA roster in her rookie season. Not many second-round picks do, but Martin secured a spot with the Las Vegas Aces.
With the Aces, Martin saw few minutes on the court. Nevertheless, she showed flashes of her future as a versatile role player who can do all the little things in the WNBA. She was also surrounded by great veterans in Las Vegas. Alysha Clark, in particular, was the perfect role model for Martin.
Kate Martin spoke highly of Alysha Clark
When Kate Martin appeared on Sue Bird’s podcast Bird’s Eye View, the latter asked her what she wanted to bring to the Golden State Valkyries and which players in the league she hoped to emulate. Martin’s answer to the latter part of the question was Alyssha Clark, her former teammate in Las Vegas.
“I learned from Alysha just like, there’s so much more than just scoring points. There’s so much more than, you know, being that star out there,” Martin said about the veteran. “Alysha watches film like nobody I’ve ever seen. She’s very intentional with everything she does. It gains a lot of respect from all of her teammates. She’s just the type of person who is always ready when her number is called.”
She added, “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.”
Kate Martin will likely never be a big-time star in the WNBA. She still has a bright future, though. Martin could quickly develop into a solid role player, someone who will do whatever the team needs of her and support a group of All-Stars. Those players are just as important as the big names.
Alysha Clark has proven that, playing a key role on three championship teams. That is the type of player Martin should hope to become eventually. If she can, her future in the WNBA will be guaranteed.
Alysha Clark’s journey hasn’t been easy
By now, WNBA fans know Alysha Clark as a three-time WNBA Champion, Sixth Player of the Year, and a tough defender. She is currently the oldest player in the league and has had a very successful career. However, things weren’t always easy for Clark.
Clark was drafted in the second round of the 2010 WNBA Draft but didn’t make a roster. She played in Israel before signing her first WNBA contract with the Seattle Storm in 2012. In her first season, she averaged about ten minutes per game and produced relatively little.
Clark consistently improved every season, growing into one of the most respected role players in the WNBA and setting an example for all younger players hoping to follow a similar road.