Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon might need to consider renaming Kate Martin from “Money” to “Modest” due to the rookie’s humility about her fan support. Despite her remarkable first season in the WNBA, Martin remains puzzled by the outpouring of fan affection.
Before a recent game against the Indiana Fever, where she would face her former Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark for the second time in the WNBA, Martin spoke with reporters. When asked about the enthusiastic fan support she’s received since joining the Las Vegas Aces, she responded with sincere gratitude and modesty.
“I’m truly grateful for the position I’m in,” Martin said. “I honestly didn’t expect to have any fans when I came here. I had no expectations regarding fan support, and I think maybe fans appreciated that. But to be honest, I don’t really understand it. I don’t get why they support me so much, but I’m super grateful for it. Hearing fans cheer for me when I check in gives me a boost of confidence and makes me feel good, so I really appreciate that.”
Martin, selected in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Aces, has been a vital contributor off the bench for the defending league champions. In the first 19 games of her rookie season, she’s averaged 3.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, missing just one game so far.
Playing for a top-tier team like the Aces has its perks, and Martin is especially appreciative of the passionate fanbase in Las Vegas. “It’s a testament to the fanbase here in Las Vegas,” Martin said. “We had a great fanbase at Iowa, but the support for the WNBA here is incredible. People in Las Vegas want to support women’s basketball. We have football, hockey, and women’s basketball, and the fact that we get sold-out games with fans cheering us on, regardless of the day or time, is amazing.”
In summary, Kate Martin, though modest and somewhat perplexed by her popularity, is deeply thankful for the fan support she’s received in Las Vegas. Her contributions to the Aces and her appreciation for the city’s fervent support reflect her humility and gratitude as she navigates her promising WNBA career.
