It’s been an emotional week for Kate Martin, to say the least. Four days after being released by the Golden State Valkyries, the feisty young guard has now found a new home with the LA Sparks, who have secured for her a development roster spot.

Speaking to reporters prior to the Sparks’ season opener against the Las Vegas Aces, Martin could barely hold back tears as she spoke about the Valkyries’ decision to waive her.

“It was brutal…It was a business decision. That’s what professional sports is…It wasn’t an easy process, and now I feel like I can relate to a lot more people on a level I never wanted to be able to relate on.”

Kate Martin, who is better known for her hard work on the defensive end than prolific stats in terms of scoring, also expressed her gratitude to the Sparks for allowing her to start a fresh chapter in her WNBA stint.

“I just feel honored for the opportunity, and opportunities like this don’t always come around in this league. For the year I got cut to be the year where there are development spots, I feel very grateful for that.”

As a player holding a development spot, Martin will make $6,136 per game for the Sparks. In total, she can suit up for a maximum of 12 Sparks games under this current deal.

Kate Martin Reconnects With Former Mentor in Viral Clip From Aces-Sparks Clash

In her young career, Kate Martin has already played for two different squads. On Sunday, her new LA Sparks family squared off against the team that drafted her back in 2024.

After the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Sparks 105-78, Martin reconnected with her former mentor A’ja Wilson, as seen in a viral clip.

Wilson finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists in this game to help the Aces improve to 1-1. The Sparks, meanwhile, start the season with a 0-1 record.