After being cut by Golden State prior to the season and subsequently signing a player development contract with Los Angeles, Martin made her first trip back to the Bay Area on Monday night as the Sparks clashed with the Valkyries from the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif.
The former Hawkeyes star discussed what it was like to return to Golden State in pregame with CBS Sports Bay Area’s Matt Lively.
“Good to see familiar faces. Good to see some of my former teammates and spend some time with them while I’ve been here. I love this place, and so it’s good to be back.
“I’ve tried to visualize it a little bit, just so when I get out there, I’m a little prepared. I’m excited. I know they welcomed other players warmly, of course. I wouldn’t expect anything else from this crowd, but I’m just excited to see everybody and give my wave and say thank you to all of them,” Martin said.
Lively asked if Martin had anything to say to the fans who supported her during the franchise’s inaugural season last year.
“Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for the last year and for what they’re doing for women’s basketball in general. It’s a lot bigger than just supporting the Valkyries. It’s really impressive to see what they’re doing to uplift women’s basketball and just women’s sports in general in this area. And it’s super impressive, and it’s just really good for our game,” Martin said.
As a tribute to Martin’s time with Golden State, the Valkyries shared a touching video and gave her a warm welcome back to the Chase Center before the game.
In 11 minutes of action, Martin recorded three points, three rebounds and two assists. Martin knocked down a 3-pointer, which was her only field goal attempt on the night.
It’s also important to note that Monday’s game marks the ninth contest that Martin has been activated for this season, as the terms of the player development contract only allow her to be activated for a maximum of 12 games unless Los Angeles signs her to a standard player contract.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Kate Martin comments on making return to Golden State with Sparks
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
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By Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
