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.

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 APThe 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.

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 APKaitlyn Chen defends against Aneesah Morrow of the Connecticut Sun in a WNBA game in San Francisco on June 22. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle via APShe 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 titleKaitlyn Chen in action during a NCAA game. Photo: @kaitlyn.chen/InstagramKaitlyn 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/InstagramKaitlyn 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