On Monday, April 14 in New York City, Kaitlyn Chen (陳凱玲) made history again, becoming the first Taiwanese American player ever drafted by a WNBA team. The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion franchise set to debut this season, selected the 5-foot-9 point senior guard with the 30th overall pick in the third and final round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. Born and raised in San Marino, California to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Chen’s journey–from Ivy League star to Husky national champion to celebrated WNBA draftee– marks a groundbreaking milestone for AAPI representation in women’s basketball.
Chen’s story is rooted in family, pride and perseverance. Her parents, Sandy Shien and Yeh-Ching Chen, along with her sister, Rebecca, have been constant supporters throughout her basketball journey, often traveling across the country to support and cheer her on.
In 2024, Asian Americans only accounted for 1.3% of female college basketball players.
“I was really just here to watch Paige get drafted, and I’m so happy for her, but it’s been an unreal night,” Chen said.
Chen was one of three UConn players selected at the 2025 WNBA Draft, Point guard Paige Bueckers went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings, Aubrey Griffin was selected seven picks after Chen at No. 37 by the Minnesota Lynx.
“To be able to experience that with my team all around me and them all jumping and screaming was pretty amazing,” Chen said.
The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA’s first expansion team since 2008 and will tip off their season at the Chase Center, also home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, on May 16 against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Chen will join head coach Natalie Nakase, the first Asian American head coach in WNBA history.
Nakase, a Japanese American and first Asian American player in the National Women’s Basketball League with the San Jose Spiders, spent recent seasons as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, helping lead the franchise to back-to-back championships. She now leads the Valkyries in her first head coaching role.
“I just remember telling myself … I want to work for Golden State. I want to be a part of that. Fast forward nine years later, I’m sitting here, in Golden State,” Nakase said at a news conference. “I’m living proof that when you work really, really hard, and you stay focused on your goal, that big dreams do come true.”
Chen began her collegiate career with the Princeton Tigers, quickly emerging as a standout guard in the Ivy League. Seeking greater competition and more opportunities, she transferred to UConn for her final year of NCAA eligibility. Chen played a key role in leading the Huskies to their 12th national championship, proving her ability to perform under pressure and against elite competition.
Her collegiate accolades include:
Chen’s biggest strengths are her high basketball IQ, adaptability, versatility, poised leadership as a floor general, and overall smart-decision making. Known for her quickness and efficient shots, she brings a calm, consistent presence that elevates her teammates on the court.
However, Chen’s size may be a challenge at the next level. At just 5-foot-9, she’ll face stronger, taller, bigger, and faster defenders in the WNBA. While she was a scrappy and effective collegiate defender, she may struggle when finishing through contact or guarding one-on-one in isolation in the W.
As the first Taiwanese American ever selected in the WNBA Draft, Chen joins a growing list of athletes and coaches breaking barriers and expanding what’s possible for Asian American players in the sport. Chen’s draft night wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a defining moment for AAPI representation in women’s basketball. Ahead of the franchise’s inaugural season, Nakase and the Valkyries are just building a roster, but instead a legacy of talent, passion, pride, and inclusion.
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