After exiting Golden State’s WNBA preseason game against the Seattle Storm on April 25, the Valkyries have provided an injury update on guard Kate Martin.
The former Iowa women’s basketball star, who enters her third professional season and second in the Bay Area, has been diagnosed by the Golden State medical staff with a Grade 2 quad strain, which the team will reevaluate on May 5.
A Grade 2 muscle strain, characterized by a partial tear of the muscle fibers, typically carries a two-to-four week recovery window, although individual timelines can vary depending on rehabilitation progress.
With the Valkyries’ preseason schedule consisting of only one game, there is no in-game exposure for Martin to use in preparation for Golden State’s May 8 regular-season opener, if she is cleared to play following her reevaluation on May 5. Ironically, that season opener is on the road against Seattle from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
The best-case scenario for the former Hawkeye might be to make her 2026 regular-season debut on May 10 when the Valkyries host the Phoenix Mercury from San Francisco’s Chase Center for Golden State’s home opener. This would allow for two extra days of rest and a less rushed rehab process.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Valkyries provide Kate Martin injury update, evaluation timeline
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
