During the recent WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Kate Martin expressed her enduring loyalty to Caitlin Clark, highlighting her as one of the most inspirational stars in women’s basketball. The Golden State Valkyries guard praised Clark’s impact while speaking at the Unrivaled HQ event, emphasizing the rising influence of her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate in the sport.
Kate Martin Highlights Top Women’s Basketball Influences
At the Unrivaled HQ event, while engaging with Bleacher Report Women’s Sports, Martin was asked which players she would recommend to someone new to women’s basketball. Without hesitation, she named both Maya Moore and Caitlin Clark as must-watch athletes for fans unfamiliar with the women’s game.
“Probably Maya Moore or Caitlin Clark,” Martin said.
Maya Moore’s legacy in the WNBA is well established, having won four championships and earning an MVP award during her eight-season career from 2011 to 2018. Her remarkable achievements will be further recognized with her upcoming induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this September.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark has redefined modern women’s basketball. As a dominant figure for the Iowa Hawkeyes, she played a pivotal role in boosting the sport’s visibility before entering the WNBA last season with an immediate and powerful impact. Although injuries have sidelined Clark for part of the current season, including missing the 2025 WNBA All-Star game, her influence continues to reverberate throughout the league.
The Early Inspiration Behind Caitlin Clark’s Rise
Raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Clark’s access to top-tier basketball was limited during her youth, often requiring a four-hour drive to see the Minnesota Lynx play. It was at the age of 12 when she had her first encounter with Maya Moore, who would become her basketball idol and guiding figure throughout her career.
Reflecting on her childhood influences in a recent interview with FanSided, Clark shared the powerful effect Moore had on her aspirations, noting the special moment when she met her hero and how it shaped her determination to inspire future generations.
“I vividly remember getting to watch her, and I got a picture with her,” Clark said. “It’s just kind of crazy that, you know, I literally was that young girl just a few years back, and now I am in kind of her shoes that she was. I am trying to inspire the next generation and pave the path for them. I think it’s just kind of crazy to look back on, but she was definitely my favorite player.”
Looking Ahead: Clark’s Role in the Future of Women’s Basketball
Despite recent setbacks due to injury, Clark remains the most popular player in the WNBA globally, with fans eagerly anticipating her return to full health. Her journey from a young admirer of Moore to a league superstar embodies the evolving narrative of women’s basketball, where loyalty and inspiration pass from one generation to the next.
Kate Martin’s recognition of Clark’s contributions not only underscores the deep respect among players but also highlights the importance of legacy in women’s sports. As Clark continues to recover and build her career, her example promises to motivate countless others and contribute significantly to the growth and popularity of the WNBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Kate Martin get $100,000?
A. On Friday, former Iowa women’s basketball stars and all other players from the Aces were given a $100,000 sponsorship by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).