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After a Season on Three Teams, Kate Martin Watches Former Squad's Defensive Success

Former WNBA guard Kate Martin took to social media to celebrate her ex-teammates after they earned spots on the 2026 All-Defensive Second Team. Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes and guard Veronica Burton, both former squadmates of Martin, were named to the honorable list.

Stokes, who joined the league in 2024, led all centers with a defensive rating of 94.5 and averaged 1.7 blocks per game, ranking fourth in the league. Burton, the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player, contributed 1.6 steals per game, also placing fourth in the league.

Despite a tumultuous 2026 season that saw Martin play for three teams—including a brief stint with the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky—she remains close to her former teammates, who thrived defensively without her. The 26-year-old averaged 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds across 19 games this year and will enter free agency this offseason.

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