Kaitlyn Chen, a former standout guard at Princeton and UConn, has faced a whirlwind of emotions in 2025. After being drafted by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Chen was unexpectedly waived before the season began, a move that impacted her early professional journey. However, the 24-year-old isn’t letting this setback define her.
Chen signed with the 3xBA to compete in Spokane Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament. This move signals a pivot to the 3×3 basketball circuit, where Chen aims to rebuild her momentum and potentially open doors to future opportunities.
Spokane Hoopfest Offers Chen a Path to FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series
Chen signed with 3xBA to compete in Spokane Hoopfest, a prestigious 3-on-3 basketball tournament held annually in Spokane, Wash. Spokane Hoopfest, known as the largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament in the world, attracts thousands of players and spectators each year.
For the 2025 event, scheduled for late June, the winning team in the women’s division qualifies for the Edmonton stop of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, a global competition sanctioned by the International Basketball Federation.
SOURCES: Kaitlyn Chen, Princeton and UConn alumna, has signed with @The3xBA for Spokane Hoopfest. She had been drafted by the Golden State Valkyries and waived ahead of the start of the season. pic.twitter.com/M53NMyPvcb
— Roberta F. Rodrigues (@robertawbb) May 30, 2025
The significance of this opportunity for Chen cannot be overstated. As Rodrigues noted in a follow-up post, participating in a FIBA-sanctioned event like Spokane Hoopfest makes Chen eligible to play for Team USA in future 3×3 competitions, pending her FIBA 3×3 ranking.
The 3×3 format, which differs from traditional 5-on-5 basketball, emphasizes speed, versatility, and quick decision-making, all of which align with Chen’s skill set.
Chen’s journey in 2025 reflects the unpredictable nature of professional sports. From the high of being drafted by the Golden State Valkyries to the low of being waived, she has experienced the full spectrum of emotions. Yet, her decision to join the 3xBA and compete in Spokane Hoopfest shows her resilience and determination to keep pushing forward.
Ivy League to UConn: Kaitlyn Chen’s Collegiate Journey Takes Shape
Her basketball journey began at Princeton University, where she established herself as one of the Ivy League’s most dynamic players. Over three seasons with the Tigers, she played in 90 games, amassing 1,276 points, 313 rebounds, and 359 assists, according to Princeton’s official athletic records.
Her 359 assists rank third in program history, while her point total places her 12th all-time. Chen’s ability to facilitate and score made her a cornerstone of the team, earning her Ivy League Player of the Year honors in 2023.
After her junior year, Chen transferred to UConn, a powerhouse in women’s basketball, to further elevate her game. The move paid off. In her lone season with the Huskies in 2024-25, she contributed to UConn’s 2025 national championship victory, adding a prestigious title to her résumé.
Her time at UConn also showcased her adaptability, as she transitioned from being the primary option at Princeton to a key role player in a star-studded lineup that included Paige Bueckers, who later became a top WNBA draft pick.
Golden State Valkyries Draft and Waive Chen Before Season
The 2025 WNBA Draft brought excitement for Chen as the Valkyries, an expansion team in their inaugural season, selected her with a late-round pick. Golden State, aiming to build a competitive roster, was expected to take chances on young talent like her, whose versatility as a guard made her an intriguing prospect.
Yet, the harsh reality of the WNBA’s roster limits struck very early. Before the season even tipped off, the Valkyries waived her, along with other draft picks like Laeticia Amihere and Elissa Cunane, as part of their final roster cuts.
“It was hard to cut all of them… We need more roster spots.”
Valkyries Head Coach Natalie Nakase on the team waiving Kaitlyn Chen as well as Laeticia Amihere, Chloe Bibby, Elissa Cunane, and Migna Touré. pic.twitter.com/RrYqNOgkRh
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) May 17, 2025
Her college pedigree, particularly her championship experience at UConn, suggested she could contribute to a developing team. However, the WNBA’s 12-player roster limit per team often leads to tough choices, especially for expansion teams like the Valkyries, who prioritized veterans to establish a foundation in their first year.
Chen’s release was part of a broader wave of cuts across the league, with other notable rookies, such as Shyanne Sellers, also being let go by the Valkyries after the first week of training camp.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
