In the ever-unpredictable world of the WNBA, fortunes can shift overnight. Just days after making headlines, Kaitlyn Chen, a former UConn standout and teammate of Paige Bueckers, is already out of the league.
On May 7, Chen created history by becoming the first player of Taiwanese descent to play in a WNBA game. Selected 30th overall by the newly established Golden State Valkyries, she made her debut during their preseason opener at the Chase Center in San Francisco. However, her journey has hit an unexpected and harsh roadblock.
As reported by Women’s Hoops Network, the Valkyries have officially waived Kaitlyn Chen, signaling an abrupt pause in her professional journey. Despite her historic debut, the rookie’s time on the roster was short-lived—reflecting the unforgiving nature of the WNBA, where even trailblazers must constantly prove their worth.
This development has already sparked debate among fans and analysts alike: Is the WNBA too quick to cut emerging talent, especially when that talent is breaking barriers? As the story unfolds, many are left wondering whether the league’s structure allows enough room for new players to grow—or if it demands too much, too soon.