Allison Spaschak

Kaitlyn Chen graduated from UConn in 2025 & didn’t expect to get drafted. She showed up to WNBA draft night to support her close friend & teammate Paige Bueckers. Chen was pulled from the crowd stunned when her name was called 30th overall. Still, 3rd round picks rarely make it to the opening day roster in the W. Sure enough, she was waived by the Valkyries after preseason. Chen went straight to work to make sure she was ready if she got a call. That call came a month later and she rejoined the Valkyries. In the offseason, she worked her butt off playing overseas and for Athletes Unlimited, but the Valks only signed her to a 2026 training camp contract, essentially a try out. She continued to put her head down and work. The team announced she earned a spot, and soon a key bench role. Now she’s a champion. Inspiration. #valkyries