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LA Sparks coach Lynn Roberts gives her initial thoughts on the Kate Martin signing.

Ahead of their season opener on May 10th, the LA Sparks made some upgrades to their roster in the form of Kate Martin. Shortly after the signing was announced, one notable member of the organization weighed in on the move.

Last week, the Golden State Valkyries decided to part with Martin during their final roster cuts. The young guard didn’t find herself without a team long, ultimately deciding to ink a developmental contract with the Sparks.

While speaking with the media prior to Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, LA coach Lynn Roberts was asked about Martin entering the fray. She has long been a fan of her game and is excited to get to work with her moving forward.

“That’s a great get for us. Thrilled how that worked out,” Roberts said of Martin. “I think it’s a great add. I think this gives her a chance in the developmental spot to just settle and pour into player development. Her work ethic is unbelievable.”

Upon inking a developmental deal with the Sparks, Martin will have the chance to practice with the team and be activated in up to 12 games during the 2026 campaign.

Kate Martin’s Former Coach Gives High Praise After Landing Deal With Sparks

Ironically, the Sparks opened the season against a team that knows Martin well. Before being taken by the Valkyries in the expansion draft, she began her career with the Aces after being a second-round draft pick.

Similar to Roberts, Aces head coach Becky Hammon was also asked her thoughts on Martin. She had nothing but positive things to say about her former prospect.

“Kate’s great. She’s great in the locker room, a great teammate,” Hammon said pregame. “The kid is gonna land on her feet wherever she goes.”

Martin had a limited role with the Aces as a rookie, playing around 11 minutes a night. She went on to finish her first year in the pros, averaging 2.6 PPG, 1.6 RPG, and 0.9 APG.

Kate Martin Gives her Thoughts on Landing Deal With Sparks

Martin wasted no time joining her new team, as she arrived on Sunday to support them in their matchup against the Aces. While in attendance, the third-year guard spoke with the media to discuss this next chapter in her career.

It’s no secret that this past week has been a whirlwind for Martin between being waived and signing a new deal. However, she seems to be in good spirits now that she’s secured a spot on another team.

“Crazy, chaotic,” Martin said. “But honestly found a lot of clarity, lot of confidence of where I’m at and where the future of my career is heading. Honestly kind of all over the place but feeling really good and having a lot of clarity right now.”

Looking ahead to Martin joining the Sparks, one thing that should make her adjustment period easier is reuniting with a pair of familiar faces. She got to play alongside Kelsey Plum during her lone season with the Aces and is fresh off being teammates with Cameron Brink in Unrivaled.