"Carver will be missed": Kate Martin bids adieu to Iowa nation with warm IG story ahead of Aces debut in 2024

On Monday, Kate Martin was selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the second round of the 2024 WNBA draft at 18th overall. Following that, Martin said her goodbyes to Iowa through a heartfelt Instagram post.

Following six seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, she shared her affection for her old team's hometown venue, Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Martin posted an image of the Carver arena on Instagram along with the caption:

"Home. Carver will be missed."

Screenshot via Kate Martin's Instagram

Martin, who hails from Edwardsville, Illinois, had dreamt of playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes since she was five years old. Her parents, who now live in Quad Cities, revealed that they were initially hoping she would be drafted to play alongside Caitlin Clark (who went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever).

However, they are happy that Martin has been picked by the Las Vegas Aces:

"Caitlin was over last night, and we were packing. I said, 'Are you guys sad about all this?'" Kate’s mother Jill Martin said (via Essentially Sports). "They said no. They are fine with it. They are excited about it. I think it will be fun for them to play against each other."

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been consistent in finishing as NCAA championships runner-up, with back-to-back losses in 2023 and 2024 to LSU and South Carolina, respectively.

Meanwhile, Kate Martin's selection makes her the 10th graduate of Edwardsville High School to be chosen in the draft of a major American sports league since 2000.

Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark face off at T-Mobile Arena

Iowa president Barbara Wilson hugs Caitlin Clark, left, and Kate Martin.

Former Iowa guard Kate Martin ended her college career (2019–2024) with striking statistics: 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, 473 assists, 148 steals, and 70 blocks in a total of 163 games played.

She holds the unique distinction of being the only player in the program's history to achieve at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals, and 60 blocks.

CBB star Martin will be in the Las Vegas training camp starting on Apr. 28.

In an interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, Kate said that she was hoping to hear her name called and that all she wanted was an opportunity,

"I was here to support Caitlin [Clark], but I was hoping to hear my name called and all I wanted was an opportunity and I got it so I'm really excited."

Martin will face Clark on Tuesday, July 2, at T-Mobile Arena when the Aces host the Fever at 7 p.m.

Preseason games will commence on May 3, followed by the regular season on May 14.

WATCH: Former Iowa star Kate Martin hugs Caitlin Clark’s BF Connor McCaffery after surprising announcement during 2024 WNBA draft