Updated: January 06, 2026
Kate Martin, the talented guard for the Golden State Valkyries, has captured hearts both on and off the court. Known for her sharpshooting and leadership from her Iowa Hawkeyes days alongside Caitlin Clark, Martin’s personal life has also drawn attention—especially her relationship with Claire Gransee. Fans have been buzzing about this adorable couple since they went public in mid-2024. Let’s dive into their sweet story and the latest updates.
Table of Contents
Who Is Kate Martin’s Girlfriend?
Claire Gransee is a University of Iowa alumna who met Kate during their time in college. Originally from Wisconsin, Claire graduated in 2024 with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Law and Media Literacy. She’s now building her career in human resources, working as an associate at Publicis Sapient (as of recent updates).
The two share a deep connection rooted in their Hawkeye experiences. Claire has been Kate’s biggest cheerleader, often traveling to support her during games—from Kate’s rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces to her current role with the Valkyries.
- They confirmed their relationship publicly in June 2024 through sweet social media interactions.
- Claire frequently posts wholesome moments, like birthday tributes and vacation snaps.
- Despite living on opposite coasts (Claire in the Chicago area, Kate in San Francisco), they make long-distance work with frequent visits.
Fans adore their chemistry, with Kate once commenting on a viral post calling Claire “gorgeous, stunning & perfect”—and agreeing wholeheartedly!
How Kate Martin and Claire Gransee Met and Fell in Love
Their love story started at the University of Iowa, where shared campus life sparked a friendship that blossomed into romance. Kate, a basketball standout, and Claire, focused on her studies, crossed paths naturally in the Hawkeye community.
By 2024, as Kate entered the WNBA, the couple decided to share their relationship with the world. Highlights include:
- Mirror selfies and cozy photos during WNBA breaks.
- Claire attending key games, like Kate’s debut with Unrivaled in January 2025.
- Heartwarming birthday posts—Claire’s collage for Kate’s 25th in June 2025 melted fans’ hearts.
Kate has gushed about Claire in subtle ways, like calling her “the most beautiful girl in the world” on a vacation post. Their bond shines through mutual support, with Claire cheering Kate through trades, injuries, and career highs.
Key Moments in Kate Martin and Claire Gransee’s Relationship
Here’s a quick overview of their journey in a simple table:
| Milestone | Date/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Met at University of Iowa | College years (pre-2024) | Shared Hawkeye experiences laid the foundation. |
| Went Public | June 2024 | Viral TikTok confirmation; Kate’s sweet comment sealed it. |
| First Major Public Support | September 2024 | Claire courtside for Aces games; celebratory embraces. |
| Offseason Adventures | 2024-2025 | Beach trips, Olympics break selfies, and Unrivaled support in Miami. |
| Latest Highlights | Mid-2025 | Birthday love, vacation posts; ongoing long-distance romance. |
As of early 2026, the couple appears strong, with no confirmed changes despite occasional fan speculation from social media silence.
Why Fans Love Kate Martin and Claire Gransee Together
There’s something genuinely refreshing about Kate and Claire’s relationship. In the high-pressure world of professional sports, they keep things light and loving:
- Adorable PDA on social media without overdoing it.
- Claire’s supportive presence at games, turning heads with her style.
- Kate’s playful teasing, like calling Claire “artsy fartsy” on artistic posts.
WNBA fans appreciate the representation and authenticity—they’re just two young women navigating careers, distance, and love with grace.
Conclusion
Kate Martin and Claire Gransee’s relationship is a beautiful reminder that love thrives with support, shared roots, and a bit of fun. From Iowa classmates to a power couple cheering each other through WNBA milestones, they’ve won over fans everywhere. As Kate continues shining with the Valkyries in 2026, we’re excited to see more glimpses of their story. Here’s to more happy moments for this inspiring duo!