UConn guard Kaitlyn Chen attended the 2025 WNBA Draft to support teammate Paige Bueckers, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. However, Chen was also unexpectedly drafted by the Golden State Valkyries in the third round as the 30th overall pick. Chen expressed her surprise and happiness at being selected, with her UConn teammates celebrating the moment with cheers and hugs.
Chen's journey to the WNBA began when she transferred to UConn for her senior year after playing three seasons at Princeton. She caught the attention of coach Geno Auriemma during a game in December 2022 and went on to contribute to UConn's national championship win. Her former team at Princeton has been supportive of her career progression, congratulating her on the draft selection. Chen will now join the Valkyries alongside fellow draftee Kate Martin, who transferred from Iowa and was selected in the expansion draft.
As the Valkyries gear up for their inaugural season under head coach Natalie Nakase, having players like Chen and Martin in the lineup is expected to bolster the team's prospects for success in the league.