University of Connecticut women’s basketball player Kaitlyn Chen is headed to the Bay Area.
On Monday, Chen was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA draft with the 30th pick. The Valkyries are the league’s latest expansion team and will play their first season his year.
Chen’s UConn teammates sitting next to her in the crowd cheered loudly when her name was called.
In a video posted on social media by Bleacher Report, Chen explained that she was surprised to hear her name called.
“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, referring to UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the number one pick. Bueckers will play for the Dallas Wings.
“To be able to experience that with my team all around me and them all jumping and screaming was pretty amazing,” Chen added.
Chen joined UConn for her final year of college basketball having played three years at Princeton University. According to Yahoo Sports, she started 40 games for UConn, averaging 6.9 points.
Chen, who is from Southern California, will join the Valkyries for training camp at the end of April.
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