WNBA rookie Kate Martin experienced a significant injury during the Las Vegas Aces game against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, July 16. In the first quarter, she slipped and had to be assisted off the court, eventually being ruled out for the rest of the game despite returning to the bench briefly. Aces head coach Becky Hammon could only confirm that Kate had sustained a lower right leg injury, but the specific details were unclear at that moment.
The non-contact nature of the injury heightened concerns among Aces fans. They were eager to know more about Kate’s condition and the potential impact on her season. In response to these worries, Kate’s father, Matt Martin, provided an update on her status a few days after the incident.
Matt Martin spoke to KCCI Des Moines, revealing that Kate had bruised her Achilles tendon. He acknowledged that the timing of the injury, though unfortunate, coincided with a favorable period for recovery. The WNBA was about to enter a month-long break due to the All-Star break and the 2024 Summer Olympics, allowing Kate ample time to rest and possibly undergo physical therapy.
Avoiding a major setback with her Achilles injury was a relief. A more severe injury, like a rupture or tear, could have ended her season entirely, as such injuries typically require six to twelve months for full recovery. While a bruised Achilles tendon is less severe, it can still be quite painful and temporarily limit movement. Recovery time for such an injury depends on its severity. Mild bruising could heal within days or weeks with appropriate treatment, such as RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). More severe bruising might take several weeks to fully heal.
Fans are hopeful for Kate’s swift and complete recovery, especially given the fortunate timing of the league’s break, which could facilitate her return to the court without missing significant playtime.