The Golden State Valkyries have made a surprising roster decision, officially waiving former Iowa women's basketball standout Kate Martin on May 7. This move comes as a shock to many fans, given Martin's promising start in the WNBA.

Martin entered the league as a second-round pick (No. 18 overall) in the 2024 WNBA Draft, joining the Las Vegas Aces alongside her Iowa teammate and close friend Caitlin Clark. After a solid rookie season, she was selected by the Valkyries in the team's 2024 expansion draft, ahead of their inaugural 2025 campaign.

During her time with Golden State, Martin carved out a role as a reliable 3-point shooter off the bench, averaging 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Her sharp shooting and hustle made her a fan favorite, but a recent injury may have derailed her momentum.

The Valkyries' decision appears linked to a Grade II right quad injury Martin suffered in the team's only preseason game. While she has been recovering on a day-to-day basis, the franchise may have opted for another depth guard to better suit their immediate needs this season.

With this move, Martin now enters the WNBA's waiver wire, making her available for the other 14 teams to claim. If she clears waivers, she would become a free agent and could potentially re-sign with Golden State on a developmental deal, according to USA TODAY. There's also speculation that she might reunite with Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever, as the team currently has one developmental spot open as of May 7.

For now, Martin's future remains uncertain, but her talent and determination suggest this isn't the last we'll see of the former Hawkeye on the court.