🏀 Caitlin Clark & Kate Martin Reunite in the WNBA: From Iowa Teammates to Court Rivals

📅 Published: June 20, 2025

San Francisco, California — Former Iowa Hawkeyes stars Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin shared a touching moment of reunion ahead of their highly anticipated WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries.

The two, who played together for several years in college and helped lead Iowa to back-to-back national title games, were seen exchanging smiles and laughter pre-game, a warm reminder of their close friendship—now continuing on opposing sides of professional basketball.

🤝 From College Teammates to WNBA Competitors

Clark, now the face of the Indiana Fever and the WNBA’s 2024 No. 1 draft pick, met Martin, who was picked by the Las Vegas Aces but is currently signed with the Valkyries.

Clark joked with reporters before the game:

“She bailed on media availability—that’s your headline,” Clark laughed, showing no signs of rivalry, only deep mutual respect.

Their bond was forged in Iowa City, where they grew into one of college basketball’s most iconic duos.

🏟️ On the Court: Friends No More (for 40 Minutes)

While the reunion brought heartwarming energy, the match itself had real stakes. The Valkyries, one of the WNBA’s newest teams, handed Clark’s Fever a tough 88–77 loss at Chase Center.

Martin contributed defensively and held her own against Clark, who despite scoring in double digits, struggled against Valkyries’ intense zone defense.

Coach Natalie Nakase’s squad used smart switches and aggressive ball denial to minimize Clark’s usual rhythm. Meanwhile, Martin’s reputation for hustle and court awareness proved valuable once again.

🎙️ What They Said After the Game

Following the matchup, Clark and Martin met briefly again:

“It’s always fun to see Kate. She’s one of my best friends in life,” Clark told reporters.
“We’ve been through so much together. I’m just so proud of her.”

Martin echoed the sentiment:

“I look up to Caitlin a lot. To play against her now at this level? It’s surreal.”

Though the Fever lost, fans celebrated this chapter as more than a game—it was a celebration of perseverance, friendship, and the changing face of women’s basketball.

📈 More Than Just a Game

The Fever and Valkyries are part of a growing wave of teams drawing major WNBA attention. Clark continues to boost TV ratings and merchandise sales, while Martin, once an underdog, is now making a name for herself in the pros.

Their story showcases not only individual success but also the power of loyalty, work ethic, and long-term chemistry—even if they now wear different jerseys.

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