UConn women’s basketball has always been a top program in college basketball, nurturing players into future stars. One such star in the making is Kaitlyn Chen. Despite being new to the program, the guard has made a mark instantly. In the current season, she is averaging 7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. As she continues to build her reputation at UConn, fans are curious about her roots and cultural heritage.

Kaitlyn has been an inspiration for many young girls who wish to pursue basketball as a career. Time and again, she has also expressed her wish to see more individuals of her ethnicity in the programs. Besides, she often emphasizes how her bringing-up helps in improving herself. With the Guard continuing to thrive, let’s take a look at her family roots.

Kaitlyn Chen’s Journey and Cultural Roots

Before transferring to UConn for her final year of eligibility, Kaitlyn played for the Princeton Tigers, leading them from the front. Of course, her talent didn’t go unrecognized. In 2023, she was named the Ivy Player of the Year averaging 16.2 PTS and 4.1 REB that season.

Although Kaitlyn Chen was born and brought up in San Marino, California, her parents, Sandy Shien and Yeh-Ching Chen are Taiwanese immigrants. Don’t you think it’s pretty rare to see Asian Americans in the women’s basketball? As per reports from the NCAA, in 2024, they only accounted for 1.3% of female college basketball players.

When Kaitlyn started as a freshman at Princeton, she was the only Asian American player on the team. However, in her last season with the program, the number increased and three players of Asian descent were playing for the Tigers. “It’s pretty special,” Chen said. “I think it’s pretty cool to see that there have been a lot more successful Asian American players.”

The former captain left Princeton last May as she enters a new ear with the 11-time Nation Champions, UConn Huskies. But not before leaving a legacy behind. During her time with the Tigers, Kaitlyn accumulated 1,276 PTS, and 313 REB, and ranked third in assists in the program’s history with 359 AST.

It is no news that the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with. Ranking No.1 in the Big East, they have an overall record of 28-3, with a perfect streak in conference play. They hosted the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles on 3rd March, which was their final regular season game.

UConn Dominates Marquette on Senior Day

While heading into the matchup, expectations were sky high for the Huskies, considering their dominating win over Creighton by 19 points. And against Marquette, they just stepped it a notch above. Initially, seed No.4 Golden Eagles had momentum on their side heading as they convincingly defeated the Xaviers (62-37) in the last game, but it just wasn’t enough to defeat the Huskies. Expectedly, the Huskies crushed Marquette in front of Gampel Pavilion on Senior day as they defeated the visitors 92-57. This adds to their undefeated streak in conference play to 18-0.

The Huskies were totally pumped up with every player stepping up. And the one who stood out the most was Paige Bueckers. No doubt! She led the team with 19 PTS, 7 AST, and 4 REB, supported by Sarah Strong who finished with 17 PTS, becoming the fifth freshman in program history to reach the 500 points’ milestone.

Unfortunately, Marquette didn’t have many standouts, as only Skyler Forbes and Jaidynn Mason put up a fight. Skyler with 12 points, while Mason with 13 PTS, 3 REB, and 2 AST, the Golden Eagles didn’t perform well enough.

With the regular season winding up and March Madness beginning to heat up, UConn now prepares for their Big East Tournament quarterfinals. And now, with the addition of Kaitlyn Chen the team looks confident to make a deep run, with their eyes set on another championship.