Meet Kaitlyn Chen, who just got a standing ovation for her debut in the WNBA: the Princeton alum is the first Taiwanese-American drafted by the league, and collaborates with Stanley and Skinletics
The Golden State Valkyries' Kaitlyn Chen celebrates with Monique Billings after their team's win over the Connecticut Sun in a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle via AP
Chen was waived by the Valkyries before the start of the season, but later re-signed to bolster the team as several players left to participate in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament.
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The Taiwanese-American, 23, was once
Paige Bueckers ' teammate in the UConn Huskies women's team. Her former UConn coach Geno Auriemma lauded her for her competitiveness as well as her shooting abilities. 'Kaitlyn Chen is the kind of player that every really, really good team has,' he said, per The UConn Daily YouTube account. 'She's going to make it in that league.'
Kaitlyn Chen defends against Aneesah Morrow of the Connecticut Sun in a WNBA game in San Francisco on June 22. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle via AP
She could be the next
Angel Reese or
Caitlin Clark – some netizens have also taken to calling her the female Jeremy Lin. Here's everything to know about Kaitlyn Chen.
She's the first Taiwanese-American to win a women's college basketball title
Kaitlyn Chen in action during a NCAA game. Photo: @kaitlyn.chen/Instagram
In April, Chen and then-teammate Bueckers helped the Huskies end a nine-year championship drought, winning the 12th NCAA women's basketball championship. Chen contributed two points, one rebound and four assists – the second highest on the team.
Chen was born in San Marino, California, to Taiwanese immigrants. She has credited her parents with playing a crucial role in her basketball career, per The Sporting News. They regularly globe-trot to attend her games and support her wherever she travels.
Kaitlyn Chen, flanked by her parents, holds up her UConn Huskies jersey during Senior Day celebrations after a NCAA women's game. Photo: @kaitlyn.chen/Instagram
'I love when I get to look up in the stands and see them there,' she said, according to CT Insider. 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them and their support. So, I'm just very grateful for that.'
Her career began at Princeton University
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