Former Edwardsville Star Kate Martin Signs With Bendigo Spirit Of Australian Women's National Basketball League
After a college career alongside Caitlin Clark and experience in the WNBA, Martin is taking her game overseas with the three-time champion Bendigo Spirit.
BENDIGO, Australia - Kate Martin, a former standout with Edwardsville High School, signed a contract for the remainder of the 2026-27 season with the Bendigo Spirit of the Australian Women's National Basketball League.
After her distinguished career for the Tigers, Martin, the daughter of former Edwardsville football coach Matt Martin, went on to a highly successful career at the University of Iowa, where she played alongside Caitlin Clark. She helped lead the Hawkeyes to the 2023 and 2024 NCAA tournament championship games, and became known as "The Glue," for her leadership ability in helping Iowa get to the championship level.
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Bendigo is a city based in the north central part of the state of Victoria, about 93 miles northwest of Melbourne. The WNBL consists of nine clubs from throughout Australia, and has been in existence since 1981. The Spirit entered the league in 2007, and has won three WNBL championships in its existence.
Martin brings much WNBA experience and leadership qualities to the Spirit.
"Kate is a fantastic signing for our club," said general manager Dan Jackson, "and brings a wealth of experience from some of the best basketball environments in the world. She's a tough competitor, a strong defender, and a very capable outside shooter, but what really stands out is her basketball IQ, leadership, and willingness to do whatever the team needs."
After college, she was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association, and also played for the Golden State Valkyries, Los Angeles Sparks, and had signed a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky after being released by the Sparks.
For her part, Martin is looking forward to playing in Australia and for the Spirit.
"I'm really excited about joining the Bendigo Spirit," Martin said in the release, "and becoming part of such a successful program. I've heard great things about the WNBL, and the standard of basketball in Australia, so I'm looking forward to challenging myself in a new environment. Bendigo has a really talented group and a strong team culture, and I'm excited to get to work, meet the teammates, and hopefully contribute to another successful season."
Martin will replace guard Abbey Wehrung, who's out for the season and is expecting her first child soon. Bendigo is currently 0-5 on the season, and Martin's first game will be this Saturday, Nov. 14, against the Sydney Flames at home.
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