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Golden State Valkyries’ Kate Martin dribbles during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Indianapolis.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Doug McSchooler\/AP<\/p>\n
From left, Golden State Valkyries guards Kaitlyn Chen, Kate Martin and Carla Leite sit on the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in San Francisco.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Godofredo A. V\u00e1squez\/AP<\/p>\n
Kate Martin is Hollywood-bound.<\/p>\n
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Martin, a 2018 Edwardsville High School graduate, signed a player development deal with the Los Angeles Sparks on March 10, according to the organization. The signing came three days after the 6-foot-2 shooting guard was waived by the Golden State Valkyries<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n WNBA teams are allowed two developmental roster spots, giving them an internal training system that operates outside the salary cap. Players in those roles can practice with the team, earn stipends and benefits, and be activated for as many as 12 games.<\/p>\n The Sparks made clear they view Martin as more than a temporary addition.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a great get for us. I\u2019m thrilled how that turned out,\u201d Los Angeles coach Lynn Roberts said. \u201cHer presence and leadership \u2014 that is a future coach, you could just tell. I was so impressed with her knowledge of the game. Basketball-wise, she can shoot it. There\u2019s no secret I love shooters. This is a great add. Her work ethic is unbelievable, which is what makes her special.\u201d<\/p>\n Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley echoed the sentiment.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cKate is a gifted shooter whose grittiness and winning history mesh well with Sparks basketball,\u201d Pebley said in a press release. \u201cShe\u2019s confident in her shot, plays tenacious defense and is an unselfish, high-energy teammate. We\u2019re eager to watch Kate develop within our system.\u201d<\/p>\n Martin enters the organization with a chance to compete for a full-time roster spot.<\/p>\n \u201cShe wants to make the roster. I\u2019m glad she said it,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cWe\u2019re going to pour into working with her, developing her and getting her comfortable, and then we\u2019ll see where we go.\u201d<\/p>\n Los Angeles went 21-23 last season and has reshaped its roster during the offseason, adding former league MVP Nneka Ogwumike and Kelsey Plum.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n