Kate Martin, a rising star in the WNBA, has subtly introduced her girlfriend to the world, causing a buzz among her fans. Martin’s recent Instagram story hinted at a possible relationship, leading to speculation and excitement within the LGBTQ+ community. This development comes in the context of the WNBA’s strong support for LGBTQ+ players and women’s bodily autonomy, as demonstrated by its recent partnership on birth control.
Martin, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces, shared a photo with a blonde woman on Instagram, captioned, “switched coasts for the weekend.” This sparked rumors about her relationship status. A fan on TikTok reposted the image, identifying the woman as Claire Gransee, a former University of Iowa student. The fan lamented that Martin might no longer be single. Martin responded to this TikTok post, saying, “She is gorgeous, stunning & perfect, I can’t lie,” which fueled further speculation. While Martin didn’t explicitly confirm the relationship, her comment was taken as a tacit acknowledgment.
Gransee appears to reside in Boston on the East Coast, while Martin is based on the West Coast, suggesting a long-distance relationship. This relationship has garnered attention, particularly from Iowa Hawkeyes fans, the team Martin played for in college. Gransee reportedly thanked the fan who reposted the image on TikTok, further adding to the speculation.
Martin was drafted in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces in this year’s WNBA draft. She has made significant contributions to the team, having led Iowa to its first national championship game in 2023 and returning to the competition in 2024.
In other news related to Martin, her Las Vegas Aces teammates showed immense support for her during the third annual IXs Awards, an event celebrating women who lead the fight for equality in sports. Hosted by the Aces and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on June 17, the ceremony featured a heartwarming moment between Martin and her teammates. When Martin walked up to the stage to present an award, her teammates, including A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, cheered enthusiastically for her. Wilson shouted, “Yeah, Kate! We love you, Kate!” as Martin expressed her gratitude for the support.
Martin presented the Game Changer award to Kristi Yamaguchi and took the opportunity to reflect on the significance of Title IX, the landmark legislation that prohibits gender discrimination in education and sports. “Title IX means the world,” Martin said at the awards show. “It means the world to all female athletes and everyone who’s wanted to play sports. I’m just really grateful to be in an organization that cares about it so much to put on such a great event like this.”
Martin’s journey from leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to the national championship to making a mark in the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces is a testament to her talent and determination. Her burgeoning relationship with Gransee, combined with the unwavering support from her team, highlights the positive and inclusive environment within the WNBA. As fans continue to celebrate Martin’s achievements on and off the court, her story serves as an inspiring example of love, acceptance, and the power of supportive communities.
