​Caitlin Clark hilariously trolls former Iowa teammate Kate Martin over the latest ad, a moment that originated with The Sporting News. And yes, The Sporting News can be added as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The longtime Hawkeyes duo may now be plying their trade for different WNBA sides, but the chemistry that helped propel Iowa to consecutive national championship game appearances still shines through in their camaraderie.
The friendly banter between the two former Hawkeyes has persisted since they entered the pros, including a fresh jab from Clark after Martin shared a sponsored post for a recovery product. It didn’t take Fever fans long to notice. Martin, now with the Los Angeles Sparks, posted an Instagram video detailing her nighttime recovery routine in partnership with Icy Hot’s Night Time Recovery Roll-On. The clip walked viewers through her post-game ritual, from washing her face and using a massage gun to lighting a candle, donning pneumatic compression boots, and applying the recovery roll-on to ease sore muscles and joints.
Clark watched the clip unfold and admitted one moment briefly made her uneasy. “Thought you were gonna put icy hot on your face. Was about to need to have a chat w you,” she commented, a lighthearted nudge that quickly captured fans’ attention. The exchange underscored that the connection between the former Hawkeyes stars remains as solid as ever, even across different teams.
Clark and Martin shared four seasons at Iowa, forming one of the league’s most recognizable backcourts alongside Gabbie Marshall. Together, they helped transform the Hawkeyes into a national powerhouse, propelling Iowa to back-to-back NCAA Tournament championship game appearances before launching their professional careers in 2024. Clark was the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever and has rapidly become one of the sport’s most prominent stars. This season, she earned her third consecutive WNBA All-Star selection while continuing to boost the league’s visibility on and off the court. Martin’s path has taken a slightly different route, but she has maintained opportunities through perseverance. After starting with the Las Vegas Aces, she has since joined three different WNBA organizations. The Sparks initially signed her to a development deal in May, then upgraded to a standard contract earlier in the week.
Despite wearing different uniforms, Clark and Martin have kept their closeness intact, routinely supporting each other on social media and catching up whenever the Fever and Sparks cross paths during the season. Clark’s edge on the court is well known, but moments like this highlight another facet of her personality—the sense of humor and warmth that shines when she’s interacting with former teammates, college friends, or even opponents. This playful exchange also serves as a reminder that their friendship has endured long after their college days, adding a layer of depth to Clark’s public persona and continuing to keep their names in the conversation for fans and analysts alike.