In a significant development for the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball program, Kate Martin has announced her departure from the team, opting to pursue her dreams of playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Martin’s decision to leave Iowa marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the program, as the Hawkeyes face a period of transition and adjustment ahead of the upcoming season.

Kate Martin, a versatile guard known for her defensive prowess and leadership on the court, has been a key contributor to the Hawkeyes’ success throughout her collegiate career. Her decision to forgo her remaining eligibility at Iowa and enter the WNBA Draft underscores her ambition and determination to compete at the highest level of women’s basketball.

Caitlin Clark's Teammate Kate Martin Drafted by WNBA

Martin’s departure leaves a significant void in the Hawkeyes’ roster and raises questions about how the team will adjust to her absence. Her defensive tenacity, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities were integral to Iowa’s identity on the court, and her departure will undoubtedly be felt by players, coaches, and fans alike.

For Martin, the decision to leave Iowa represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to her craft. With aspirations of competing against the best players in the world, Martin is eager to take the next step in her basketball journey and test herself at the professional level.

While Martin’s departure may come as a loss for the Hawkeyes, it also presents an opportunity for the team’s younger players to step up and fill the void left by their departing teammate. Head Coach Lisa Bluder and her staff will need to reassess their roster and identify new leaders to guide the team forward in the wake of Martin’s departure.

As Martin embarks on the next chapter of her basketball career, she does so with the full support of the Hawkeyes community behind her. Her time at Iowa may be coming to an end, but her legacy as a dedicated teammate, fierce competitor, and exemplary leader will endure, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Hawkeyes athletes.

As the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team prepares to move forward without Kate Martin, they do so with gratitude for her contributions to the program and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. While her departure marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in Iowa basketball history—one filled with promise, potential, and the unwavering determination to succeed.