Kate Martin Discusses Fashion and Team Spirit in the WNBA

WNBA player Kate Martin, known for her dynamic presence both on and off the court, recently opened up about her evolving fashion sense and the contrasting styles of her former and current teams.

“Before entering the league, I felt this immense pressure to dress up for every game, which honestly stressed me out more than the actual games,” Martin, 25, revealed in a recent interview. “But I’ve learned that you can approach it however you want. The Aces players have a fantastic sense of style, and I admired their outfits last season.”

Selected as the No. 18 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Martin quickly made a name for herself after joining the Las Vegas Aces. Her friendship with Caitlin Clark has also garnered attention, as both players have become fan favorites.

In December 2024, Martin transitioned to the Golden State Valkyries during the WNBA Expansion Draft, where the new team built its roster by selecting unprotected players from existing teams and signing international talent.

While some players, like her former Aces teammate A’ja Wilson and current Valkyries teammate Tiffany Hayes, embrace elaborate pregame outfits, Martin appreciates the more relaxed approach of her new teammates. “In San Francisco, some of them just wear whatever they feel like,” she noted. “I think that’s really cool.”

Despite the Aces’ impressive fashion statements, Martin credits Hayes for inspiring her creativity in clothing. Hayes launched her clothing line, Seyah Renara, in 2024, and Martin has enjoyed wearing pieces from it. “She’s not just a basketball player; she’s an entrepreneur with great style,” Martin said. “And I’ve also been impressed by Alysha Clark’s outfits this year.”

Martin’s fashion journey is now accessible to fans through a partnership with Rakuten, allowing them to purchase items from her game-day outfits. This initiative aims to bring fans closer to the WNBA experience.

Community engagement is vital for Martin, who described the Valkyries’ fan base as “incredible.” The team has sold out every home game at Chase Center—affectionately dubbed Ballhalla—this season, highlighting the strong support from over 18,000 attendees.