News

Kate Martin is making a significant career move from the Las Vegas Aces to the Golden State Valkyries. This transition holds great importance for her professional life. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

A New Beginning for Kate Martin with the Valkyries

Introduction to Kate Martin

Kate Martin's selection by the Valkyries means the Aces chose not to protect her. Given her usage towards the end of last season, this isn't a surprise. Drafted 18th overall in 2024 from Iowa, she was a pleasant early-season surprise when the Aces were dealing with injuries. However, as the team got healthy, her playing time significantly decreased. After seeing double-digit minutes in 16 of the first 21 games, she cracked that threshold only twice in the final 13. She also missed a chunk of time in July and August due to a lower leg injury. In the postseason, she saw a mere three minutes of action. But she remains optimistic, stating, "This league is all about opportunity. I am very thankful for the Aces and everything I got to learn there, but I'm really excited for this new beginning and to build something from the ground up with the Valkyries." Additionally, she has already played under the Valkyries' first head coach, Natalie Nakase, who was an assistant with the Aces for the last three seasons.

Details about Iliana Rupert

The French center, Iliana Rupert, was selected by the Aces out of the French basketball league in 2021. She achieved a WNBA championship in 2022, which was her only season with the team. After that, she played with Atlanta in 2023, participating in 20 games. She did not play in the 2024 WNBA season and currently plays in the Turkish basketball league.

Background on María Conde

María Conde, a Spanish forward, was drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2019. However, she has never played in the WNBA. Instead, she has opted to stay in Europe, playing in Spain, Poland, and Czechia. It remains unclear whether she intends to return to the States and play for Golden State or if the Valkyries will simply hold her rights.

Veronica Burton's Story

Veronica Burton is one of the younger players on the Valkyries. Drafted seventh overall by the Dallas Wings in 2022, she will be entering her fourth year in the league. As a guard at Northwestern, she was a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in her senior year. Last season, she played 31 games for the Connecticut Sun as a backup point guard.

Carla Leite's Journey

The 20-year-old French guard, Carla Leite, has yet to play in a WNBA game. She signed her first pro contract at the age of 18 and was selected ninth overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2024 Draft. But she chose to stay in France. She was on the short list to play for France at the 2024 Paris Olympics but did not make the final roster.

Temi Fagbenle's Experience

Temi Fagbenle is a 32-year-old veteran with extensive experience in the WNBA and abroad. After playing with the Minnesota Lynx from 2017-2019, she crossed the Atlantic to play in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Czechia, and England before landing with the Indiana Fever last season. She appeared in 22 games off the bench for the Fever, averaging 6.4 points per game and showing good chemistry with Caitlin Clark.

Stephanie Talbot's Comeback

The Australian national had a career-worst season for the Los Angeles Sparks last year, which was also her first year back from a torn ACL. Golden State is betting on a comeback for this frontcourt veteran.

Cecilia Zandalasini's Stint

Another European acquisition, Cecilia Zandalasini, is a 28-year-old Italian forward. She joined the Minnesota Lynx in 2024, marking her second stint with the team after playing in Minnesota from 2017-2018 and playing in Turkey and Italy in between. She played in all 40 games for the Lynx off the bench, averaging 4.6 points per game and 1.1 assists. She won a WNBA Championship with the Lynx in 2017 during her first stint and played in 11 of the team's 12 postseason matches this season.

Kayla Thornton's Championship

Kayla Thornton will join the expansion team as a WNBA champion. She played all 40 regular-season games and 11 postseason games for the New York Liberty last season. She is well-liked in New York and is now on her fourth WNBA team, having been drafted by the Washington Mystics and played six seasons with the Dallas Wings.

Monique Billings' Career Path

Monique Billings has had a unique career. She spent the first six seasons of her career with the Atlanta Dream. Last offseason, she joined the Los Angeles Sparks on a hardship contract but was cut during training camp. She then joined the Dallas Wings on another hardship contract, got released, and finally landed with the Phoenix Mercury on a seven-day contract and ended up finishing the season in Phoenix. She is the lone unrestricted free agent to be selected.

Julie Vanloo's First Season

Julie Vanloo entered the WNBA at the age of 31 last season after more than a decade in international leagues. Her "rookie" season was a success, leading the Mystics in assists per game (4.3) while providing shooting from the perimeter. She is the early favorite to start at point guard for Golden State.