After signing with the Bendigo Spirit on Tuesday, Kate Martin expressed her excitement to compete in Australia's women's basketball league, the WNBL.
"I'm very excited, shocked I could sleep on the plane because I've just been so excited to get out here. This is something I've been looking forward to and have always honestly wanted to do. And so really excited, looking forward to it," Martin said in a welcome video posted by the WNBL.
The former Iowa All-Big Ten guard recently reached a mutual termination of her contract with the Unrivaled women's 3x3 basketball league after a tumultuous third season in the WNBA that saw her suit up for three different teams.
Kate Martin has landed in Australia and she’s ready to get to work ✈️🔥 Watch the full
interview: https://t.co/pQfUxix5Km pic.twitter.com/yiUTpDzQIm
— WNBL (@WNBL) November 13, 2026
The Iowa product was waived by the Golden State Valkyries on May 7, joined the Los Angeles Sparks for 17 games before being waived in August, then signed a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky and appeared in two games with the club. Throughout all that movement, she averaged 2.6 points in 7.7 minutes per game this season.
"I just heard great things about the WNBL in general and just the talent level that's here, and I want to push myself in a different way. What attracted me to Bendigo was the people. I've heard amazing things about just the culture here and the player development here," Martin said.
KATE MARTIN DEBUT!
— Bendigo Spirit (@BendigoSpirit) November 13, 2026
Our newest star will take to the court on Saturday against the Flames. Be sure to secure your tickets Spirit fans and go to our website for an awesome membership deal #katemartin #wnbl pic.twitter.com/bJgVpepbzR
When asked about expectations that Spirit fans may have for Martin, she said her main objective is to have fun, develop her basketball skills, and make friends along the way.
"I don’t really know what my expectations are right now, you know? I have some goals, but mainly I just want to develop, have fun, enjoy playing basketball, and I'm looking forward to making new friends and building new relationships," Martin said.
Martin will take to the court in her Bendigo debut on Saturday when the Spirit visit the Sydney Flames.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Kate Martin excited for next basketball journey with WNBL's Bendigo Spirit
