Kate Martin has revealed she is still close to fellow WNBA player Caitlin Clark, as the former Iowa star duo keep up with each other through a particular pre-game routine in the league.
Speaking to reporters before her second regular-season game against her now-former college teammate, Clark admitted that she and Martin had to up their game when it came to one off-court tradition: game-day tunnel attire.
Several players, including some of Martin and Clark’s teammates like Kelsey Plum and Lexie Hall, have turned heads with their pregame ensembles this season, while helping the league continue its growing popularity.
“We’re always sending each other pictures like, ‘Wait, do you like this outfit?'” Martin said of her interactions with Clark today.
‘It’s a fun thing about the WNBA. We were both nervous (at the beginning of the season) and we were like, ‘What are we going to wear? We always wear sweatpants!’
Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin greet each other courtside in May before Fever-Aces in Las Vegas
In May, Clark said of her style evolution: “I think it’s been fun. Honestly, I try to change up… a little bit what I wear and what I do, whether it’s a little bit more casual or a little bit more dressy.
“I think we’ll see that change as the season progresses.”
Echoing Martin’s perspective on the importance of fashion to them, the Indiana Fever guard added that dressing for WNBA games is “a little different” than for college matchups because the focus is on the players from the moment they step foot in the arenas.
“I usually show up in sweatpants and sandals, so…” Clark said.
“But it’s been fun and I hope it keeps getting better,” she continued, referring to her outfits throughout her rookie season in the WNBA.
Clark has led the Fever to a 2-2 road record and faces the defending champions in the team’s fifth straight road game.
On the court, however, the focus is different as Clark and her teammates will try to finish above .500 on their five-game road trip when the Fever take on the host Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night.
Indiana (8-12) had won four straight before falling to the Chicago Sky on June 23 and Seattle Storm on Thursday. However, the Fever improved to 2-2 on the road with an 88-82 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, nearly earning a triple-double from their star player.
Clark finished with 15 points despite shooting just 2 of 10 from 3-point range.
She also had nine rebounds and 12 assists and was one of five Indiana players to score in double figures, a group that also included NaLyssa Smith (12 points, 15 rebounds).
