Kaitlyn Chen makes WNBA history as 1st Taiwanese player to take the court

On Tuesday night, Kaitlyn Chen became the first player of Taiwanese descent to officially take to the WNBA court. The 23-year-old guard debuted for the Golden State Valkyries during their inaugural preseason game at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Chen received cheers and applause as she entered the game in the fourth quarter. In eight minutes of play, she recorded two points on 1-for-3 shooting and grabbed three rebounds. Her first basket, a transition layup, was met with a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 17,428.

Natalie Nakase, who also made history as the WNBA’s first Asian American head coach, highlighted Chen’s energy and impact despite limited minutes.

“She just leaves everything out on the floor,” Valkyries head coach Nakase said after the game. “She plays 94 feet pickup … she’s fearless. She’s someone that you can trust.”

Born in San Marino, California, to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Chen starred at Princeton University, where she earned Ivy League Player of the Year honors in 2023. She transferred to the University of Connecticut for her final collegiate season, helping the Huskies secure their 12th national championship.

Chen was selected 30th overall in the third round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, joining the Valkyries as part of the league’s first expansion team since 2008. The Valkyries will open their regular season at home on Friday, May 16, facing the Los Angeles Sparks.