WNBA DRAFT

April 14, 2025

Kaitlyn Chen

Golden State Valkyries

Q. What's going through your head right now being drafted after this past year you had with UConn?

KAITLYN CHEN: Honestly, still in a little bit of shock. It's still a little overwhelming. I was really just here to watch Paige get drafted and I'm so happy for her. But it's been an unreal night.

Q. What was your expectations coming into tonight? What was the moment like when you got to kind of share with the team and get pulled up on stage?

KAITLYN CHEN: I didn't really have any expectations coming into the night. But to be able to experience that with my team all around me and them all jumping and screaming was pretty amazing.

Q. You said you came in with no expectations, but as the draft went on and it got into the third round, did you start feeling any emotions and any anxiety, any nerves?

KAITLYN CHEN: Not really. But Caroline (Ducharme) next to me kept telling me to be ready. She almost didn't let us use the bathroom just in case.

Q. You're joining a Valkyries team that is beginning to lay its foundation. What's the most exciting aspect of being able to set a good foot for a new organization in the league?

KAITLYN CHEN: To just be a part of something that's starting from scratch and being able to be a part of that sort of build.

Q. How does it feel to be able to go back to your home state and play for the Golden State Valkyries, speak to the importance of that, and to be a bit closer to family, as well?

KAITLYN CHEN: It's really exciting. My parents have been through so much with me, and they've been there for every step of the way. I know that red eye across the country to the East Coast is not the easiest, so I'm glad it will now be an hour flight for them instead of five.

So yeah, it means a lot to be able to go back to the West Coast.

Q. I just want to know if there was a moment or a year or whatever when basketball went from a passion, a hobby, whatever, to something that you had an idea that you wanted to treat professionally or started taking it more seriously, whatever comes to mind?

KAITLYN CHEN: Probably not a specific moment or year. I sort of feel like with basketball I've just sort of let it take me on this journey. I haven't really had any expectations from the start. I was lucky enough to have such a great time at Princeton and be so successful there. And I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to come to UConn. I think I'm just taking everything as it goes.

It's been a pretty great ride so far.

Q. Second year in a row that multiple players with Ivy League ties have heard their name called after what was a remarkable March for the conference. What's it like to know that Harmoni was also in this draft with you?

KAITLYN CHEN: Yeah, Harmoni is an amazing player, super talented, and she always has been since we played each other my sophomore year. I think it just says a lot about the Ivy League and how competitive it is as a conference and how great players are able to get a great education but also a really amazing -- a really great and successful basketball experience.

Q. Obviously you weren't expecting to hear your name called, but something like this happened last year, the No. 1 overall pick, their teammate was called late and she happens to be your teammate now. What do you think that conversation will be like with Kate Martin with you guys just kind of going through the same experience back to back?

KAITLYN CHEN: I'm sure it'll be funny. Looking forward to meeting everyone and just sort of learning from everyone.

Q. Your coach took a chance on you and you pretty much lived up to the UConn standards. How has your coach inspired you along your journey?

KAITLYN CHEN: I'm just really grateful that he gave me the opportunity to come to UConn and be able to learn from him and to play alongside such great teammates and give me the chance to play basketball, play college basketball at the highest level and win a natty.