Caitlin Clark Shares Warm Hug with Former Teammate Kate Martin Before Valkyries vs. Fever Clash — Friendship Beyond Rivalries ❤️

Published: July 10, 2025

A Touching Moment on the Court

Before tip-off of what was anticipated to be a fiercely competitive game between the Indiana Fever and the newly rebranded Las Vegas Valkyries, fans inside the packed arena witnessed a quiet, heartfelt scene that stole the spotlight before the first whistle blew.

Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s dynamic rookie sensation, embraced her former University of Iowa teammate Kate Martin in a warm hug that reminded everyone watching why basketball is more than just a game.

From Hawkeyes to WNBA: A Bond Forged in Iowa

Clark and Martin were more than just teammates in college — they were leaders, best friends, and key parts of a historic Iowa team that made back-to-back NCAA Final Four appearances. Their chemistry on the court, especially during Clark’s record-breaking senior season, was often described as telepathic. Off the court, they were inseparable — from team meals to press conferences to long, emotional postgame interviews.

The pair helped elevate Iowa women’s basketball to national prominence, breaking attendance records and becoming household names in the process.

“Nothing But Love”: Clark’s Reaction

After the game — a narrow Fever win that saw both rookies make their presence felt — Clark was asked about the moment with Martin.

“It’s just love,” she said, smiling. “We’ve been through everything together — wins, losses, growing pains, laughter. Seeing her in the WNBA, doing her thing, it makes me so proud. We’ll always be family, even if we wear different jerseys now.”

Clark added that moments like this are what she cherishes most in her basketball journey: the lifelong relationships forged beyond the scoreboard.

Kate Martin: “I’m Always Rooting for Her — Except When We’re Playing Her!”

Kate Martin, who has become a fan favorite for her hustle and poise, shared the same sentiment.

“We’ve pushed each other for years, and I’ve learned so much from Caitlin,” Martin said postgame. “She’s a generational talent, but also just the best teammate and friend. It was emotional seeing her on the other side tonight, but we’ll always have each other’s backs — unless we’re guarding each other!”

Martin smiled, then added, “That hug was for everything we’ve been through — and everything ahead.”

WNBA Fans React with Emotion

Clips of the hug went viral within minutes, with WNBA fans flooding social media with comments like:

“This is what the game is all about — love, respect, sisterhood.”
“From Iowa black & gold to WNBA rivals… they’re still teammates in heart.”
“Pure class from Caitlin and Kate. True role models.”

Fans praised both athletes not just for their elite performance but for the kindness and humanity they continue to show in the spotlight.

Continuing Their Rookie Campaigns

Both rookies are carving out impressive roles with their respective teams:

Caitlin Clark continues to lead the Indiana Fever in assists and is among the top three-point shooters in the league.
Kate Martin, drafted late by Las Vegas, has become a valuable two-way player, earning praise from coach Becky Hammon for her intelligence, defense, and versatility.

Their development this season is not just a testament to their talent, but to the strong foundation built during their college years together.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Game

In a league filled with fierce rivalries and high-stakes competition, moments like this remind us that basketball is deeply human — rooted in friendships, shared dreams, and mutual respect. For Clark and Martin, no matter where their careers go from here, the Iowa connection will always be a part of their story.

And for fans? They were gifted with a memory far more meaningful than any stat line: a hug between two friends who started their journey together — and never let go.

Related Articles for Further Reading

Caitlin Clark & Kate Martin: From Iowa Teammates to WNBA Competitors
Kate Martin’s Journey from Walk-On to WNBA Impact Player
How Caitlin Clark is Changing the Face of Women’s Basketball
Former Hawkeyes Turned Pros: The Clark-Martin Bond
Behind the Scenes: Clark and Martin’s Final Iowa Season