Las Vegas Aces star Kate Martin gears up to throw the first pitch at Iowa’s night with the Royals on Saturday

Although Kate Martin may call Las Vegas her new home, the former Hawkeye returned to her hometown since the WNBA is on a month-long break. During that time, she is planning to finish a side-quest as she set to throw the first pitch during the Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game on Saturday.

The former Hawkeyes guard shared the news on her Instagram story asking fans to be present for the Iowa Night. She added a message to the story:

"IOWA FANS-- I hope to see you at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, July 27, and wish me luck as I get ready to throw out the first pitch. Pitching tips accepted!!"

Screenshot of Kate Martin's IG story (Credits: Instagram/@katemartin)

Martin spent five years playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes and averaged 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists. She enjoyed her best season as a graduate senior, averaging 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. The guard was picked 18th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA draft.

Kate Martin admits shock with all the love she's receiving from fans in the WNBA

During her time with the Hawkeyes, Kate Martin was a fan favorite. She was nicknamed "The Glue" and played a crucial role as a leader in Iowa's pursuit of the NCAA championship. However, it is easy to say that most attention was focused on her former teammate, Caitlin Clark.

Now in the WNBA, Martin is enjoying a lot of love from fans. In an interview with Owen Siebring earlier this month, the guard said:

"I feel really grateful to be in the position I'm in. I honestly did not expect to have any fans when I came here. I had no expectations in that sort of way and I think fans liked that. I don't know."

"I don't really get it, honestly. If I'm being honest, at the end of the day, I don't get it. But I feel super grateful for it. It gives me a little bit of confidence. It makes me feel good when I hear the fans cheer for me when I'm checking in. So, I really appreciate that."

In May, just four games into the regular season, Martin's No. 20 jersey was completely sold out. Aside from the fans, Aces' players and the coaching staff always make it a point to shower praise and love on their rookie guard.

What do you think of Kate Martin's rookie season? Let us know in the comment section below.