In an emotional and revealing new interview, WNBA rookie Kate Martin opened up about her journey to professional basketball—and how her longtime friend and former college teammate Caitlin Clark played a pivotal role in saving her career.

Martin, now a rising figure in the WNBA, didn’t hold back as she reflected on the toughest moments of her basketball path. She spoke candidly about injuries, doubts, and the pressure of living up to expectations. But through it all, one name kept coming up: Caitlin Clark.

“There was a time I thought I was done,” Martin admitted. “I didn’t think I was going to play professionally. I wasn’t even sure I belonged in college ball anymore. But Caitlin never let me quit.”

According to Martin, it was Clark’s encouragement, belief, and relentless support that reignited her love for the game.

“She pushed me every day—on the court, in the locker room, in life,” Martin said. “When I was at my lowest, she reminded me why I started playing. She reminded me who I was.”

The two formed a deep bond at the University of Iowa, where they were teammates for multiple seasons. While Clark often grabbed headlines for her record-breaking stats and highlight-reel shots, Martin was the heart-and-soul player—gritty, consistent, and fiercely loyal.

“I never minded that Caitlin was in the spotlight,” Martin said. “She deserved it. What mattered to me was that she had my back. Always.”

Martin recounted a particularly dark time after a knee injury that sidelined her during a key stretch of the season. She considered stepping away from the game entirely.

“I told Caitlin I was thinking about walking away,” Martin revealed. “She looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘You’re not done. I’m not letting you quit.’”

That conversation changed everything.

“She stayed with me after practice, helped me rehab, watched film with me, reminded me what I brought to the team,” Martin recalled. “She believed in me before I believed in myself.”

Fast-forward to today: Martin is now living her WNBA dream. Drafted in 2024, she has become a critical player off the bench, known for her hustle, defense, and leadership. Her name may not dominate headlines like Clark’s, but her presence is deeply felt by fans and teammates alike.

“She saved my career,” Martin said again. “No doubt in my mind.”

Clark, when asked about Martin’s comments, simply smiled and said, “Kate’s a fighter. All I did was remind her of what was already inside her.”

The mutual respect between the two is undeniable. Their friendship has become a symbol of how competition and loyalty can exist side by side—how lifting each other up only makes the game better.

“I wouldn’t be here without her,” Martin said. “And I hope I’ve made her proud.”

With the season heating up, Martin and Clark continue to inspire on and off the court. They may wear different uniforms now, but their connection remains unbreakable.

“She’s more than a teammate,” Martin said. “She’s my sister.”

And for fans watching their journeys unfold, this bond is a powerful reminder: sometimes, the greatest assist doesn’t happen on the stat sheet—it happens in the heart.