“The relationships I create here are my legacy.” Caitlin Clark quite clearly announced back in Iowa just what she thought mattered the most to her. And now, as she continues to thrill the WNBA crowd with her record-breaking displays, she stands by her words. When the ‘generational talent’ was drafted as the first-overall pick this year, she was not the only one joining the league after shining for the Hawkeyes. Kate Martin was another Iowa alum who entered the big stage, joining the Las Vegas Aces. As their third encounter comes close, Clark is ready to host her former teammate just as nicely.

In her recent media availability, the Fever guard talked about welcoming Kate Martin to Indianapolis. She said, “It’s definitely pretty weird to us like we were teammates for 4 years. We got very used to that, and now going against. So then you know, like you love it, you joke about it. But like, at the same time, it just takes some getting used to. I know a lot of our coaches will be here on the same night. Looks like a fun thing for all of them to be able to do too. And sharing that memory and that joy with us. But I’m just super proud of her and happy for her.” 

The 22-year-old guard also hinted towards her former Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder making an attendance when Fever will lock horns with the Aces on Wednesday. Both of the WNBA rookies played four years together with Bluder at the helm and led the Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA finals. When the duo bid adieu to their alma mater, the 63-year-old also decided to step down from the coaching role.

While Caitlin Clark has definitely been the talk of the town with her exceptional rookie season, her best friend, Martin, is yet to have a firm grip with Aces. Nevertheless, she has always found her college best friend acknowledging her and their friendship.

The friendship between the opponent rookies

Back in May, the former college teammates faced for the very first time in W. While the excitement among enthusiasts was obvious, Clark only made the match-up even more interesting when she opened up on her bond with the Aces rookie. “Kate is obviously one of my best friends, somebody that was with me all four years at Iowa. I was the person that kind of begged her to come back for her sixth year,” said the Fever No.22.

After taking a red shirt year and benefiting from the NCAA’s COVID-19 eligibility extension, Martin announced in February 2023 that she would be returning for a sixth and final season with the Hawkeyes. She, along with Clark, led the team to the Finals but could not sweep the championship after falling to the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Well, Martin’s impact on the WNBA hasn’t been significant so far. Currently, she averages 2.5 points per game. Nevertheless, she has clocked a total of 33 minutes in the only two fixtures against Indiana Fever. The 24-year-old guard even notched 12 points on the first occasion. “I’m sure she doesn’t regret that at this point. We’ve talked every single day. I’ve called her, if not, texted her every single day,” said CC earlier. The upcoming matchup at Indianapolis promises to be a sweet reunion of two best friends.