Kate Martin is the Supportive Bestie We All Want in Our Lives
Even though Caitlin Clark is in the eye of the storm right now in the WNBA, at the end of the day, she's really just a girl. If you'll let her be.
Clark, who has faced immense scrutiny since entering the league, has had her performances dissected and her every move analyzed: something which can be incredibly overwhelming for a 22-year-old girl in her rookie year.
But in the high-pressure world of professional sports, it's often the personal connections and friendships that keep athletes grounded.
Her best friend and now leaguemate Kate Martin does exactly that.
Hawkeyes
Enter, Martin.
Martin and Clark's friendship began at the University of Iowa, where they both played for the Hawkeyes. From the start, their connection was special. They pushed each other to be better on the court and offered emotional support off it. This mutual encouragement was evident in the way they played and interacted, building a camaraderie that was palpable to anyone who watched them.
Recently, Martin spoke out in support of Clark, highlighting the unique pressures her friend faces in her rookie season in the WNBA.
"It's so rare in this league for two people from the same team to both make it," Martin told USA TODAY Sports. "It's really nice to have one of your best friends going through a similar experience. She knows exactly what I mean every time I say something; it's hard to talk to other friends (about the WNBA) because they just don't understand our jobs."
Hawk Central
Martin's support is not just about understanding the game but also about being there emotionally. "I've had my down moments and she's hyped me up, just like she did at Iowa," Martin told USA Today Sports. "I've never been in Caitlin's shoes and I never will be, she's on a completely different stage than me, but as much as I can be a listening ear and encourage her back, I try to do that."
This sentiment is reciprocated by Clark, who recognizes the value of having someone like Kate in her corner. Despite her rising fame and the challenges it brings, including the constant public scrutiny, Martin remains a steadfast friend. "I don't know if there's too much I can do besides just be a friend," Martin said last week in a press conference. "Caitlin's phenomenal, and she's having a great rookie season. I think people are really hard on her, expecting her to be perfect. That's unrealistic, right?"
"She's a phenomenal person, she's phenomenal player, and I'm going to support her through everything," Martin added. "She's one of my best friends, and so I'm just there for her, a listening ear if she needs it. Sometimes just talking about other things other than basketball if that's what we need to do. So, you know, I'm just trying to be the best friend I can."