Kate Martin “Chosen by the Hawk”? Chase Center Photo Shoot Sparks Captaincy Rumors
San Francisco, CA — July 21, 2025
In what can only be described as the most “Bay Area” moment of the preseason, Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin was the subject of a bizarre and hilarious incident involving the Chase Center’s unofficial feathered mascot — a red-tailed hawk named “Chaz.”
During the team’s official media day photo shoot on Friday afternoon, chaos broke out when Chaz, who has become something of a symbol of the Chase Center after nesting near the roof of the arena, swooped down mid-session and landed squarely on Martin’s shoulder. Cameras flashed, staff gasped, and Martin — ever the cool presence — simply stood smiling, completely unfazed.
The hawk reportedly stayed perched on her shoulder for nearly 90 seconds, long enough for photographers and fellow players to break into cheers. “It was surreal,” said Valkyries assistant coach Marissa Thompson. “Like, out of all the players there, this wild animal chooses her? That’s not just PR magic — that’s a sign from the basketball gods.”
Within hours, the moment went viral online. A slow-motion clip of the hawk landing on Martin’s shoulder — paired with dramatic Hans Zimmer music and the caption “A Captain is Chosen, Not Appointed” — racked up over 3 million views on TikTok.
Fans have already started calling Martin “Hawk Queen” and jokingly insisting that the bird was delivering a “natural coronation.” One fan even suggested that the Valkyries should incorporate a falcon into their branding, tweeting, “Kate Martin is now the Captain of the Sky and the Court.”
While team officials declined to comment on any leadership appointments, sources within the organization say the coaching staff was “amused but lowkey spooked” by the event. “There’s already been quiet talk about her leadership and presence,” said one staffer who asked not to be named. “This didn’t hurt.”
Martin herself handled the situation with characteristic humility. When asked about it later during an interview, she laughed: “I didn’t plan it, but I’m honored. I guess if the hawk says I’m the one, who am I to argue?”
Whether coincidence or cosmic basketball omen, the Chase Center Hawk’s apparent endorsement has only added fuel to speculation that Martin could become the inaugural captain of the expansion Valkyries franchise. Until then, she remains the player with the most unexpected — and airborne — vote of confidence.
