Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin, two standout WNBA players on different teams, are not just rivals on the court; they share a deep and enduring friendship off the court. This bond was highlighted in a recent Instagram post by Martin, where she posted a series of photos, including one of her and Clark in different team jerseys. Martin’s caption, “I love my job,” elicited a heartfelt response from Clark, who simply replied, “love you.” Clark’s close relationship with Martin’s family was also evident as she commented, “Just here for jilly bean,” referring to Martin’s mother.
Their friendship began at the University of Iowa, where both played for the Iowa Hawkeyes and developed a close-knit relationship. Now, as professionals, Clark was the first pick for the Indiana Fever, while Martin was selected 18th by the Las Vegas Aces. During the WNBA draft, Martin was present to support Clark and was thrilled to hear her own name called. She expressed her excitement to the Las Vegas Aces, saying, “I’m really happy to be here. I was here to support Caitlin, but you know, I was hoping to hear my name called. And all I wanted was an opportunity and I got it. I’m really excited.” Despite the WNBA’s relatively modest salaries, both Clark and Martin viewed their draft selections as significant career milestones. However, they both wish they could play on the same team again.
The bond between Clark and Martin was solidified over four years with the Iowa Hawkeyes, and their separation in the professional league was bittersweet. Clark, in a TikTok interview, praised Martin as one of the best leaders she had ever encountered, emphasizing their mutual reliance and support. “In my eyes, she’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around in my entire life and I think that everybody that’s been her teammate or has coached her would say the exact same thing. I know like, she’s somebody that I can always lean on and rely on, whether she’s my teammate or just my friend — I wish she was still my teammate,” Clark stated.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided Clark with the option to stay another year at the University of Iowa, but Martin’s departure influenced her decision to move on as well. Reflecting on her time with Martin, Clark shared with the New York Post, “I’ll miss playing with her. She’s just somebody that’s really been there for me. She’s somebody that’s wired the same way as me.” She further added, “At times, that means me and Kate butt heads, but at the end of the day, we know how much we love each other.” Since their draft, Clark and Martin have faced each other in WNBA games, maintaining a competitive yet affectionate dynamic.
Their first reunion on the court came on May 25, when Clark’s Indiana Fever played against Martin’s Las Vegas Aces, who secured a win on their home court. The game was marked by friendly banter, with Martin admitting to The Edwardsville Intelligencer that Clark tried to distract her during the game. “We do talk a little bit of trash back and forth,” the Aces guard confessed. She continued, “Last time we played each other, we gave each other a little shove and talked trash back and forth to each other. It’s all in good fun.”
Playing against her close friend was a unique experience for Martin. She admitted to The Daily Iowan, “It was weird, I’m not going to lie. Looking out on the court and seeing her in a different jersey than me, it was obviously different.” However, she also noted the excitement and gratitude they both felt for living their dreams and competing at the highest level. “It’s really fun, we’re both living out our dream right now and we both get to compete at the highest level, so we’re both really grateful for that opportunity,” she said. Clark echoed these sentiments, expressing happiness for Martin and appreciating the positive remarks from Coach Hammon about her friend’s qualities, stating, “I’m just really happy for her and everything Coach Hammon says about her is so true … She’s the ultimate teammate, ultimate person, ultimate leader.”
In summary, Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin’s friendship transcends their professional rivalry. Their journey from college teammates to WNBA players on opposing teams is marked by mutual admiration, support, and a shared dream of excelling in their sport. Despite the competitive nature of their professional careers, their bond remains strong, underscored by their playful interactions and deep respect for each other’s abilities and character.
