Kate Martin’s Flourishing Career and Supportive Relationship with Claire Gransee

Top Plays of the Day, 7/31/2025

Kate Martin is enjoying a remarkable chapter in both her professional basketball career and personal life. Since stepping onto the WNBA stage, the Golden State Valkyries guard has demonstrated steady growth on the court, while off the court, she has found steadfast support and love with her girlfriend, Claire Gransee.

A Constant Presence

Throughout her journey in professional basketball, Kate Martin has had the unwavering support of a special woman by her side. Martin publicly confirmed her relationship with Claire Gransee in June 2024, a milestone that fans and followers celebrated warmly. Since then, Gransee has become a familiar figure at many of Martin’s games, standing in the crowd and cheering her on passionately. Their bond was further underscored when Gransee shared a hotel room with Martin during the Golden State Valkyries’ expansion draft process—a testament to their closeness.

Claire Gransee: More Than Just a Supporter

Claire Gransee hails from Wisconsin and attended Milton High School in Milton, Wisconsin. There, she distinguished herself academically, earning numerous awards and recognitions, according to her LinkedIn profile. While she is not a professional athlete, Gransee’s growing popularity, especially within the WNBA fan community, comes largely from her visible support for Kate Martin and her own engaging social media presence.

This past week, Gransee has stirred significant attention on social media, captivating fans with a new post that showcased her confident style and charisma.

Following the Story

Kate Martin, a beloved figure in the WNBA, has been thriving alongside her Las Vegas Aces team before being picked by Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft. New teams often face challenges in their initial seasons, struggling to find their footing in the league. Fortunately for Martin, the Valkyries have outperformed expectations, providing her with a promising environment to grow.

Martin’s Rising Star

Now entering her second season, Kate Martin’s WNBA career has seen a clear upward trajectory. After being selected 18th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces, Martin made an immediate impact despite limited playing time. During her rookie season, she averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds across 34 games, a solid foundation to build upon.

However, it was after her move to the Golden State Valkyries that Martin’s performance notably surged. Just recently, in a narrow 81-78 loss to the New York Liberty, Martin scored a career-high 21 points, marking her first time surpassing the 20-point mark in a professional game. Despite coming off the bench and playing 24 minutes, she led the team in scoring—a testament to her growing confidence and skill.

Shooting Prowess

One of Martin’s key strengths is her shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc. In that standout game against the Liberty, she connected on 4 of 10 three-point attempts, finishing with an impressive 46% field goal percentage from 15 total shots. Her scoring ability from distance makes her an invaluable asset as teams work to stretch defenses and open up the court.

A Bright Future

Martin’s increased playing time with the Valkyries has also boosted her averages significantly. She is now putting up an average of 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, clearly showing improvement from her rookie campaign. This growth bodes well for her future as she continues to develop her game within a supportive team environment.

The Golden State Valkyries, currently holding a 9-7 record, are demonstrating competitive promise in the league. This contrasts with Martin’s former team, the Las Vegas Aces, who sit at an 8-8 record. The change of scenery has certainly worked in Martin’s favor, giving her more opportunities to shine on the court.

Off the Court: A Loving Relationship

Beyond basketball, Kate Martin’s relationship with Claire Gransee continues to be a source of joy and stability. Fans and followers alike have taken notice of their affectionate and supportive dynamic, often expressing admiration for how they openly share their lives with each other.

Gransee’s presence at games and her willingness to accompany Martin during key moments in her career, such as the expansion draft, underline the deep connection they share. Their relationship offers Martin a strong personal foundation, which many athletes say is crucial for thriving in demanding professional sports environments.

Conclusion

Kate Martin’s journey in the WNBA is still young but already filled with promise and exciting milestones. With steady improvement on the court and the unwavering support of Claire Gransee off it, Martin appears poised to continue her upward trajectory in the league.

As the Golden State Valkyries build their team and make their mark in the WNBA, Martin’s contributions are becoming increasingly significant. Her sharpshooting, resilience, and newfound confidence suggest that this is just the beginning of a flourishing career.

Meanwhile, Claire Gransee’s rise as a beloved figure among WNBA fans adds a compelling personal story to Martin’s professional one. Their partnership embodies a modern athlete’s life where love, support, and career growth go hand in hand.

WNBA enthusiasts and casual observers alike will no doubt be watching closely as Kate Martin’s star continues to rise, both on and off the court.