Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin appears to have publicly confirmed her relationship with Claire Gransee, sending the lesbian sporting community into a buzz. Kate shared a mirror selfie on her Instagram stories featuring Claire, accompanied by the caption, “switched coasts for the weekend.” This post strongly suggests that Claire is her girlfriend. Adding to the speculation, Kate commented on the photo, praising Claire by saying, “she is gorgeous, stunning & perfect, I can’t lie.” Claire reciprocated with a thank you, further fueling the rumors.
Both Kate and Claire are recent graduates of the University of Iowa, with Claire moving to Boston after her graduation in May 2024. Claire majored in Communication Studies, while Kate earned a B.A. in sports and recreation management. Their relationship was not public knowledge until this apparent “hard launch” on social media.
Kate Martin was a standout player at Iowa, leading the team to its first national championship game in 2023 and a return appearance in 2024. Her leadership on the court earned her the nickname “The Glue” from her head coach, a testament to her role in holding the team together. However, fans have affectionately dubbed her “Kate Money Martin.” She was selected 18th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in this year’s WNBA draft.
The speculation about Kate’s sexuality has been ongoing, largely due to her demeanor and fashion sense. Her latest Instagram post seems to have provided the long-awaited answer for many fans.
Kate hails from an athletic family. Her father played college football, and her older sister played basketball at Truman State. Additionally, her maternal aunt, Julie Fitzpatrick, played basketball for Drake and is married to Iowa head coach Jan Jensen.
This revelation is significant not only for Kate and Claire but also for the broader lesbian community. It represents a moment of visibility and pride, highlighting the importance of representation in sports. For Kate Martin, this is a personal win, aligning her public and private lives. For Claire Gransee, it marks a new chapter alongside a rising sports star. The community celebrates this milestone, seeing it as a triumph for love and authenticity in the world of professional sports.
