"Don't put limitations on who you can be": Former Iowa star Kate Martin lights a fire under the Hawkeyes as they gear up for the 2024 season

Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin last played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25 for the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Virginia. She is now back in Iowa as the WNBA has taken its month-long break for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During her visit, the Iowa native caught up with the players and shared her words of encouragement with them. She said:

"I keep thinking, why not just go all in? Our first Final Four, we had the mantra of 'Why Not Us.' It's like, why not show up every single day and work your a** off and see what can happen? What's the worst that's going to happen? Why not come in and get extra shots up and be the best teammate that you can possibly be and see where your life is going to take you?"

Kate Martin added that there are just two outcomes with this mindset. You either get to play professionally or have the opportunity to gain lifelong friends. Martin spoke from experience, as she was not widely considered a WNBA prospect when compared with former teammate Caitlin Clark.

To everyone's surprise, she was picked No. 18 by the Aces and is currently enjoying a great season playing alongside the defending champions. The guard also added:

"Have the mindset of, 'Why Not?' Why can't you guys go back to the final four? Why can't you guys win the Big 10 Championship again? Don't put any limitations on who you can be and where you guys can go because that's bullsh**. Go have fun and just be the best teammate you can be. I think this year is going to be great."

Martin added that she is excited to attend Iowa games and cheer on the team.

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Kate Martin says there is no place and no team like Iowa

In her chat with the Hawkeyes, Kate Martin also shared her love for the program, revealing that nothing compares to playing there.

"I just want to say that I'm so thankful for this program," Martin said. "I'm very, very biased, obviously. I've been a Hawkeye since the day I was born, but there's nothing like it.

"And like it's funny, everybody comes back and talks to you, like when I was here, which is only four months ago, but it was like everybody comes back and says, 'Oh, there's nothing like it. It's the best thing in the world.' And it truly is. You'll never find a family culture family atmosphere like this."

`With the Las Vegas Aces, Kate Martin is more of a role player. In a roster filled with superstars and Olympic talent, the guard is aware of her role and is effectively delivering. She has won the hearts of Aces players and fans with her skills, putting up 3.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

What are your predictions for the Iowa Hawkeyes? And what do you think of Kate Martin's performance in the WNBA? Let us know in the comment section below.