Valkyries Under Fire for Kate Martin Decision in First WNBA Game
In what was supposed to be a celebratory night for the WNBA’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries found themselves at the center of controversy after their preseason debut — not for the narrow 83-82 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, but for their handling of a fan-favorite player: Kate Martin.
Martin, a second-year guard out of Iowa and a cult favorite from her time with the Las Vegas Aces, was expected to be a central figure in the Valkyries’ first outing. Instead, she saw limited minutes on the court, much to the dismay of fans and analysts who had anticipated a bigger role for the charismatic and hardworking guard. Despite her modest rookie stats of 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game, Martin captured national attention last season with her hustle, team-first attitude, and growing popularity — her jersey ranked fourth in WNBA sales, even outselling superstars like A’ja Wilson.
Social media erupted shortly after the game, with #FreeKate trending across platforms. Fans voiced their disappointment, accusing the Valkyries coaching staff of mismanaging not just a beloved player but a potential marketing centerpiece. Some even suggested that bringing in veteran guard Tiffany Hayes might further sideline Martin during the regular season.
“This was the perfect opportunity to showcase a young, exciting player who already has the fans behind her,” one frustrated fan tweeted. “Instead, she’s back to warming the bench?”
Head coach Natalie Nakase responded in the postgame press conference, stating, “The preseason is all about experimenting with lineups and evaluating chemistry. Kate is a valued part of our roster, and we’re taking a careful approach to building the right rotations.” She emphasized that the coaching staff is still assessing how to best use the diverse mix of talent, including both rookies and veterans.
Still, many remain unconvinced. Martin had recently shown flashes of offensive brilliance in 3×3 competitions and off-season workouts, making a case for more meaningful minutes. Her supporters argue that her intangibles — hustle, leadership, and chemistry — don’t always show up in stat sheets but make a tangible difference on the floor.
As the Valkyries gear up for their next preseason matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, pressure is mounting on Nakase and her staff to reevaluate their strategy. The team may be new, but they are quickly learning that building a franchise is not just about wins — it’s also about embracing the heart of the team, and for many, that heart beats through Kate Martin.
