“I think Kaitlyn Chen was the perfect addition,” Huskies coach Geno Auriemma said. And how can we possibly argue? When Kaitlyn Chen made the big move from Princeton to UConn, the internet had thoughts. Would she mesh with the already star-studded Huskies roster? Could she hold her ground in Storrs? Well, she didn’t just fit in; she belonged from the very first tip-off.

Chen became that player—clutch when needed, a reliable offensive spark, and a seamless replacement for Nika Muhl. Auriemma even admitted that if Chen had come to UConn earlier, her WNBA draft stock would’ve probably skyrocketed. But even with all the on-court glow-up, there’s one area where the shift from the Ivy League to UConn made a real dent—the money game.

What are Kaitlyn Chen’s NIL deals as of 2025?

While we don’t have the exact digits of Kaitlyn Chen’s NIL earnings, here’s what we do know: UConn has a full-fledged NIL Store where athletes can sell official merch. And the senior is right there in the mix.

Her collection is filled with jerseys, hoodies, crewnecks, and tees. All featuring her name, number, and that Huskies flair. So while we might not have her bank statements, we can safely say she’s making money off her name and talent. 

It’s the NIL era, and Chen is definitely cashing in the way college stars are supposed to. And honestly, coming from the Ivy League, where NIL opportunities aren’t as loud, this shift to UConn might’ve been more than just a basketball upgrade—it was a whole financial level-up too.

Which high school did Kaitlyn Chen attend?

Now, before she was torching defenses at Princeton and UConn, Kaitlyn was busy rewriting history at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Cañada Flintridge, California. Born and raised in San Marino to Taiwanese immigrant parents, she was a multi-sport kid—four sports as a child. But basketball was the one that stuck.

At Flintridge Prep, she owned the court. We’re talking 2,009 points, 922 rebounds, and 421 assists. Still holding those records, by the way. She was a three-time league MVP, All-Area Player of the Year, and even a McDonald’s All-American nominee. 

And the best part was, it wasn’t just her stats that wowed people. Her vibe, leadership, and energy were pure gold. Her high school teammate Olivia Stevens once said, “Kaitlyn can change the energy in the room as soon as she walks in.” Another teammate, Ashley Chea, added, “Even if Kaitlyn is having a bad day, she always has a smile on her face and the goofiest personality.”

So yes, leader on the court, sunshine off it.

She eventually chose Princeton over California and North Carolina, and that’s where she really took off. By the time she wrapped her career there, she had stacked 1,276 points, 313 rebounds, and 359 assists. That made her third in career assists and 12th in scoring in Princeton history. Oh, and she was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023, too.

Then, it was actually during a loss to UConn in December 2022—where she dropped 18 points and 7 assists—that Coach Geno started taking notes. He called up Princeton head coach Carla Berube (a former Husky herself) and asked about her. Fast-forward a few months, and the guard had to choose between UCLA and UConn for her graduate season. And, well, now we can say that she made the right call and has improved her game, even impressing WNBA scouts. 

What is Kaitlyn Chen’s net worth and salary?

College athletes don’t get a salary. So…no, Chen doesn’t have a monthly paycheck coming in from UConn. But with NIL in play, athletes can now earn through brand partnerships, merch, and appearances. 

Her net worth isn’t publicly known either, but her value—and likely her earnings—continue to rise. Now that she’s in her senior year, all eyes are on what’s next. Kaitlyn Chen might not be a guaranteed first-round WNBA pick, but anyone who’s watched her play knows this—whatever team lands her is getting a difference-maker.