Kaitlyn Chen, a guard for UConn, showcased her defensive skills during the Big East semifinal game on March 9, 2025, as she matched up against Villanova’s Maddie Webber.
Throughout the game, her parents had been proud to see their daughter stand out in such a high-stakes matchup.
After all, Kaitlyn Chen made her college debut in her sophomore year, coming off the bench to contribute nine points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a 59-42 victory over Villanova.
Even during the 2022 Ivy League tournament, Chen stood out in the final, scoring a season-high 30 points in a 77-59 win over Columbia, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player (MOP).
Well, Kaitlyn Chen missed her freshman season at Princeton due to the COVID-19 pandemic but made an impactful comeback in her sophomore year.
Kaitlyn Chen Was Over The Moon For Her Journey From San Marino To The Sweet 16, Supported by Her Taiwanese Immigrant Parents
Kaitlyn Chen grew up in San Marino, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, and built a love for basketball early on.
She attributes much success to being raised by Taiwanese immigrant parents, Sandy Shien and Yeh-Ching Chen, who taught her the importance of hard work.
With Asian Americans making up just 1.3% of female college basketball players, Chen feels that Asian American athletes are becoming more successful.
As a freshman, Kaitlyn Chen was the only Asian American player on the team.
However, last year, in 2024, she emerged as one of three players of Asian descent on the Princeton Tigers.
Kaitlyn Chen’s love for basketball began early. She watched Lakers games with her dad and soon competed herself by fourth or fifth grade.
Her parents, Sandy Shien and Yeh-Ching Chen, have supported her every step of the way, traveling cross-country weekly to watch her play for UConn’s women’s basketball team.
The long journey was always worth it for them, especially this weekend when their trip will be a third of the usual distance.
The Chen family stayed on the West Coast and took a short flight to Spokane, Washington, on March 28 to watch Kaitlyn and the No. 2 seeded Huskies face No. 3 Oklahoma in the Sweet 16.
Chen expressed excitement after UConn’s second-round victory over South Dakota State in Storrs.
She mentioned that her parents are happy because the flight will be much shorter, and they won’t need to take a red-eye. She’s looking forward to it.
This was Kaitlyn’s third time playing on the West Coast during her college career and her first time competing in the Sweet 16.
She beamed with a smile and walked with her family during Senior Day celebrations after an NCAA women’s basketball game at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 2, 2025, in Storrs, Connecticut.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Chen played basketball at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Cañada Flintridge, California, where she set school records in points, rebounds, and assists.
- She also played for the Cal Storm Team Taurasi, an AAU team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
- As a sophomore, she was named All-Area Player of the Year and earned the Pasadena Star-News All-Area Player of the Year award in her final two seasons.
