Kaitlyn Chen made history this week as she debuted for the Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural pre-season game in San Francisco, as the first Taiwanese-American basketball player to be drafted by the WNBA. Fans cheered on her performance and many gave her a standing ovation, as she scored two points on 1-for-3 shooting and grabbed three rebounds in eight minutes.
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.
She’s the first Taiwanese-American to win a women’s college basketball title
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.
“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.”
