Kate Martin's heartfelt support for Caitlin Clark once turned into a blessing in disguise

Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin helped the Iowa Hawkeyes reach back-to-back NCAA championship games in 2023 and 2024. They entered the 2024 WNBA Draft, with Clark getting picked first by the Indiana Fever, while Martin was selected in the second round to become one of the best stories of the season.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the WNBA counted down the top 10 viral moments of the year as a part of its year-end celebration. Martin supporting Clark in the draft and getting picked by the Las Vegas Aces was the No. 2 most viral moment.

"On to #2, Kate Martin attended draft night to support her Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark. She walked away as the #18 overall pick to the Aces, made the final roster, and became a great success story in the '24 rookie class," the WNBA tweeted.

There weren't a lot of expectations for Kate Martin when the Las Vegas Aces selected her with the No. 18 pick. However, Martin persevered to earn a roster spot for the Aces and became a valuable member of the rotation.

To top it off, her popularity grew to the point that she had the fourth best-selling jersey in the WNBA. She was behind Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Sabrina Ionescu, three of the biggest stars of the league. She was ahead of teammate and reigning MVP A'ja Wilson, who came at No. 5.

Despite her fanbase, the Las Vegas Aces didn't protect Kate Martin in the 2024 Expansion WNBA Draft. The Golden State Valkyries took advantage of it and drafted the Iowa product. She's expected to have an important role in the establishment of the league's newest franchise.

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Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin's status for Unrivaled

Unrivaled is set to start its inaugural season on Jan. 17 in Miami, which will be televised on TNT and TruTV. It's a 3-on-3 league with 36 players divided into six teams.

One of the reasons why it was co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart was to give WNBA players an option to stay at home in the offseason. But what's the status of Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin for Unrivaled?

Clark turned down the league despite getting offered a big salary plus equity. She preferred to take the offseason and rest, as she went from her final year in Iowa to her rookie season in Indiana without stopping. She's staying busy working out with the new Fever coach Stephanie White.

Meanwhile, Martin will participate and was drafted by Laces BC. She's going to team up with Jackie Young, Tiffany Hayes, Kayla McBride, Alyssa Thomas and Stefanie Dolson.