Kaitlyn Chen Makes History as First Taiwanese WNBA player 

Lyon Chiang, New York

In a landmark moment for Taiwanese basketball, Kaitlyn Chen (陳凱玲), a guard whose parents are both immigrants from Taiwan, was selected in the third round of the 2025 WNBA Draft by the newly established Golden State Valkyries. Taken with the 30th overall pick, Chen becomes the first Taiwanese-American player ever drafted into the WNBA, marking a proud new chapter for the global Taiwanese sports community.

Chen, who was born and raised in San Marino, California, has long embraced her cultural roots. After a decorated collegiate career at Princeton University—where she was named Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023 and earned First-Team All-Ivy honors three times—she transferred to the University of Connecticut (UConn) for her final season to chase a championship dream. That decision paid off in historic fashion.

This past season, Chen played a key role as UConn clinched its 12th NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, defeating South Carolina 82–59 in the title game. Starting as point guard, she appeared in all 40 games, averaging 6.9 points, 3.4 assists, and shooting an efficient 51.4% from the field, including 35.4% from three-point range.

While attending the draft to support her teammate and No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, Chen was caught by surprise when her own name was called. Her teammates erupted in celebration, reflecting not only her impact on the court but also her leadership and resilience off it.

The Golden State Valkyries, based in the Bay Area—a region known for its vibrant Asian-American community—are entering their inaugural WNBA season. Chen’s selection resonates deeply, especially among the Taiwanese diaspora, who see her as a symbol of pride, representation, and perseverance.

More than just a promising athlete, Chen carries with her the hopes of a community. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to young Taiwanese and Asian-American girls around the world who dare to dream big. As she enters the professional stage, Kaitlyn Chen (陳凱玲) is not just playing for herself—she’s playing for a culture, a heritage, and a future yet to be written.

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