When Caitlin Clark was drafted as the No.1 pick in the WNBA this year, she was not the only one joining the league after shining for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kate Martin was another Iowa alum who entered the big stage, getting selected by the Las Vegas Aces. And since then, the former college teammates have faced each other as opponents twice. However, as their third encounter comes close, Clark decides to host her former teammate nicely.

In her recent media availability, the Fever guard talked about hosting Kate Martin. 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 who is expected to make an attendance when Fever will lock horns against Aces on Wednesday. Both of the WNBA rookies played under Bluder for four years and led Hawkeyes to back to back NCAA finals. And with the duo bidding adieu to their alma mater, the 63-year-old  also decided to step down from the coaching role.

The friendship between the rival 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 rookie.

After taking a redshirt 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 Iowa Hawkeyes. She along with Clark, led Hawkeyes to the final but remain eluded with the championship after falling to South Carolina Gamecocks.

Well, Martin’s impact on WNBA hasn’t been significant as far to become a hot discussion. 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.