Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin has garnered significant online attention by seemingly confirming her new relationship on Instagram. The WNBA community and beyond are eager to learn more about her girlfriend and the nature of their relationship, which appears to be indeed confirmed.
Martin, who attended the WNBA Draft to support Caitlin Clark, was drafted by Las Vegas in the second round. Not only did she secure a spot on the team, but she is also averaging 17.2 minutes per game for the reigning champions. Her teammates and fans adore her.
At 24 years old, Martin is rapidly climbing the All-Star voting charts and is on track to make the game. Despite the overwhelming support and growing fanbase, Martin remains humble and a bit embarrassed by all the attention.
Her biggest supporter, aside from her family and possibly Caitlin Clark, is her girlfriend, Claire Gransee. Gransee, who graduated from Iowa with a 3.94 GPA and currently resides in Boston, recently posted a cozy photo with Martin on Instagram. Martin’s response, featuring a heart emoji, fueled widespread speculation about their romantic relationship.
Social media exploded with reactions, with many expressing their jealousy towards Gransee. Martin seemed to confirm the relationship with a comment from her official account in response to a TikTok video discussing the matter. While Martin’s comments about Gransee could refer to a close platonic friendship, the consensus among fans and observers is that they are romantically involved.
In addition to her burgeoning sports career and new relationship, Martin recently shared her thoughts on the pressures facing her former Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark, who is navigating her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. Martin highlighted the unrealistic expectations placed on Clark and the challenges that come with her growing fame.
“I think people are really hard on her expecting her to be perfect. That’s unrealistic,” Martin said, via Paloma Villicana of Fox 5 News Las Vegas. “I don’t know if there’s too much I can do besides just be a friend, right? … Being a listening ear, being there for her and being there for everyone. I mean, Caitlin’s phenomenal, and she is having a great rookie season … She’s a phenomenal player.”
Martin, who has appeared in 13 games for the Aces this season, averaging four points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, understands the intense scrutiny Clark faces, having played with her during Clark’s historic college run with Iowa women’s basketball.
“She’s one of my best friends. I’m just there for her,” Martin said.
Clark, who is averaging 16.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, has been a focal point in the WNBA this season. Despite the Fever’s recent struggles, including a one-point, 88-87 loss to the Chicago Sky, Clark’s impact on the court and the league as a whole is undeniable.
During their time at Iowa, Martin and other teammates played a crucial role in supporting Clark both on and off the court. The dynamic between Clark and her teammates provided insight into the support system that helped her navigate the pressures of stardom during her time with Iowa women’s basketball.
“Everybody thinks they want to be Caitlin,” Martin once said, via ESPN’s Wright Thompson. “I don’t know if you want to be Caitlin … The crown she wears is heavy.”
Clark’s teammates, often referred to as her tribe, were integral to her journey, witnessing the emotional toll of her rising fame. Former Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder noted Clark’s preference for strong, vocal teammates, which was essential in maintaining a cohesive and supportive team environment.
“I think she likes strong people. People that are good leaders. People who will use their voice,” Bluder said.
Despite the immense pressure Clark faced, her teammates remained united. This solidarity was particularly evident following a chaotic court-storming incident after Iowa’s game against Ohio State, where Clark’s teammates rallied around her in support.
“I see Caitlin on the ground and I just start seeing red,” Martin said at the time. “Whatever … I’m ride or die for my ladies.”
Through her emerging career, personal relationships, and unwavering support for her friends, Kate Martin exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie and dedication both on and off the court.
