The Golden State Valkyries are preparing for the 2026 season with a strong lineup following coach Natalie Nakase’s stated goal for the season. While the front office waived multiple rookies and training camp contract holders. They recently released the 2025 season’s acquisition, Kate Martin, finalizing the roster for the season.
While the player suffered an injury during the preseason, she recovered from the same just in time. But the team decided to move from the guard and filed for a replacement contract to fill the roster spot of center Iliana Rupert, who is pregnant.
Amid this, a strong response from the 23-year-old guard caught everyone’s attention as fans reacted to her social media activity.
Fans React To Kate Martin’s Strong Steps
The WNBA fanbase is already pumped up with the preseason showing, but there is also a sad lining to the start of the season, and that’s the player cut for the final playing 12 of the season. The Valkyries took a shrewd decision, removing not only the rookies from the roster but also a third-year veteran in their final cut.
The player quickly shared her feelings on social media as fans noticed the franchise name was removed from her bio. She also cut the Unrivaled’s mention from the intro.
Yeah I don’t think Kate Martin coming back for that last development spot…
— Golden State Valkyries Fan Report (@valkyriesreport) May 8, 2026
She JUST removed Valkyries and Unrivaled from her ig bio 😔 pic.twitter.com/AsNgrgjybz
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Keen-eyed fans spotted the change and reacted, backing the player and lambasting the team’s decision.
A fan said, “I see Joe Lacob’s meddling hand in this. Ohemaa is just his pliant puppet.”
I see Joe Lacob's meddling hand in this. Ohemaa is just his pliant puppet-GM.
— Dan (@DanGrigorian) May 8, 2026
One fan added, ”She might just go overseas. The money is as good.”
She might just go overseas. The money is as good
— the sport guy (@thesportguy9999) May 8, 2026
Another fan commented, “Kate Martin will still be my Valkyrie GOAT.”
Kate Martin will still be my Valkyrie GOAT 🐐
— Goldie (@BayAreaFan941) May 8, 2026
One fan mentioned, “Oh well. Time to move on.”
Oh well. Time to move on.
— Albert J. Grant (@Mapletown) May 8, 2026
Another highlighted, “She has to be bummed out.”
She has to be bummed out 😔
— Room 1408 (@mp4995491) May 8, 2026
The player spent her rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces team, where she received limited game time. A move to Valkyries gave her more opportunities, and she made the most of them with a strong season, helping the team reach the playoffs.
Possible Reason For Kate Martin’s Waiver
The Golden State Valkyries were one of the fan favorites for the 2025 season. New addition Gabby Williams also praised the fanbase as one of the loudest in the league, after playing in just one game. The former Iowa star was also a fan favorite who drew much attention with her energetic gameplay. With this, questions arose about the reason for her waiver; here are possible reasons.
Year ✌️ begins here. #ThisisBallhalla pic.twitter.com/PMPTk9QmDl
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) May 7, 2026
The first obvious reason was her fitness, which might have just impacted the start of the season. Another long-term reason would be the depth in the guard department, driven by the rise of Kaitlyn Chen. The third and most important one would be the experience. The team’s plan to release multiple young players underscores its season plan.