The WNBA can be unpredictable. One day you’re making history, and the next, you’re fighting for a roster spot. That’s the reality Kaitlyn Chen is facing right now. On May 7, the former UConn Huskie etched her name into the history books by becoming the first player of Taiwanese descent to step onto a WNBA court. Selected 30th overall by the Golden State Valkyries, Paige Bueckers’ former teammate made her debut during the team’s inaugural preseason game at Chase Center in San Francisco. But as is often the case in the W, her spot in the league is already hanging in the balance.

Chen, who formed half of the dynamic backcourt duo with Paige Bueckers, helping UConn secure another championship this year, was met with loud cheers and applause as she checked into the game against the LA Sparks in the fourth quarter. In her eight minutes on the floor, she put up two points on 1-of-3 shooting and pulled down three rebounds. Her first bucket—a smooth transition layup—sparked a standing ovation from many among the 17,428 fans in attendance.

Unfortunately, that would remain the only point she would go on to score for the Valkyries. According to Women’s Hoops Network, Kaitlyn Chen has officially been waived by the Golden State Valkyries. Another victim of the lack of W roster spots. There are only 156 total roster spots in the entire WNBA. That’s 13 teams, each carrying a minimum of 11 and a maximum of just 12 players. So yeah, openings are rare.

Coach Natalie Nakase also had some very good things to say about Chen, which clearly shows that if given the chance, she would have probably kept her in the side. Let’s take a look at what she had to say about the guard.

Coach Nakase praises former Paige Bueckers’ teammate

Born in San Marino, California, to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Kaitlyn Chen made a name for herself at Princeton University, where she was honored as the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023. She then made the big move to the University of Connecticut for her final college season, and it proved to be a smart decision. Chen averaged 11.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, playing a key role alongside Bueckers in helping the Huskies capture their 12th national championship. Coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the good points about Chen perfectly after her debut.

“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.” 

It’s disappointing to see Kaitlyn Chen waived by the Valkyries. She has the talent to make an impact on any team, and hopefully, she’ll get another shot in the league. Whether that happens is something we’ll have to wait for. One thing’s for sure–her close friend Bueckers, probably won’t be thrilled to see Kaitlyn leave the league after just getting her start.