The 2024 WNBA season was a record-setting one for the league. Most of the league’s buzz last season was driven by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s breakout debut. As a rookie, the former Iowa star made an immediate impact, drawing national attention to women’s basketball and helping contribute to a rise in league popularity.
Clark led the Fever to its first playoff appearance since 2016, which ended a seven-year postseason drought. Now, fans are clamoring for an encore performance in year two.
Clark’s best friend and former Iowa teammate, Kate Martin, is no stranger to supporting the Fever star. Clark and Martin built their friendship in Iowa City, leading the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship game appearances. Even though they’re on different WNBA rosters, their connection remains strong.
Former Iowa Teammates Keep Bond Strong Beyond College Days
The WNBA preseason tips off this week, and Clark kicked things off in style by sharing a series of photos on Instagram in her Fever uniform with the caption, “We are so back… YEAR 2.”
Martin chimed in with her message of support in the comments: “Year 2 let’s get ittttttt.”
THIS MEANS SOMETHING TO ME pic.twitter.com/JYZBiBgT3d
— correlation (@nosyone4) May 2, 2025
The Fever became must-watch television last season as Clark transitioned seamlessly into the face of the franchise—and arguably the league. Clark dominated in her first season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, on the way to winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year. She also earned selections to the WNBA All-Star Game and first-team selections to All-WNBA and All-Rookie teams – cementing her status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Martin, while lesser-known, also saw court action as a rookie. Drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft, Martin appeared in 34 contests, averaging 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per night. In December, the Golden State Valkyries selected Martin with the sixth pick in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft.
As the 2025 season approaches, Martin’s message of support sums up the excitement many league fans are feeling—the best may be yet to come. Whether they’re suiting up on opposite coasts or training together in the offseason, Clark and Martin continue to represent the power of loyalty, hard work, and, most importantly, friendship—something fans will be watching just as closely as any box score result.
The Fever finished the 2024 season 20-20 and were swept out of the playoffs in the first round by the Connecticut Sun. Indiana opens the 2025 regular season on May 17 at home against the Chicago Sky. The Fever won three out of four games against Chicago last season.