Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UConn Players Turned Heads Over Kaitlyn Chen’s WNBA Draft Moment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Geca Flores | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 1:33 AM ET

The UConn Huskies have sent another proud alum to the WNBA, as Kaitlyn Chen officially joined the league during the highly anticipated 2025 draft.

After UConn standout Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, her fellow teammate and Huskies guard was taken 30th overall by the Golden State Valkyries.

Interestingly, a video of Chen at the 2025 WNBA Draft drew attention after her UConn teammates celebrated the moment in a heartfelt and emotional way.

In the clip shared by SportsCenter, the atmosphere instantly lit up as soon as her name was called — but it was the reaction of her teammates that stole the spotlight.

The players were seen cheering and hugging Chen with pure joy.

Over the comment section, fans and the WNBA world not only celebrated her well-deserved draft selection but also lauded the unbreakable bond between the UConn teammates.

Kaitlyn Chen's UConn teammates were hype after she got drafted ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dgcc3AN4rt
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 15, 2025

“This is what being part of a team is all about. Root for your team! Be proud of their achievements!! #squadgoals,” a fan wrote.

“I could not believe it when this happened, had me like [mind blown]," a social media user added.

“The power of friendship. The power of UConn. Yay, Kaitlyn!” a supporter remarked.

One supporter also stated, “Green flag how much her teammates love her.”

In addition, a user pointed out, “Glad they were also present in the moment and not recording.”

“UConn's squad knows greatness when they see it!” a thrilled follower wrote.

After her selection, Kaitlyn Chen expressed how surreal the experience was.

"Honestly, I’m still in a little bit of shock, it's all a little overwhelming," she stated, as reported by CT Insider.

Moreover, the 23-year-old admitted that she didn’t fully expect to have a big moment of her own, as she was there mainly for Paige Bueckers.

"I was really just here to watch Paige get drafted, and I'm so happy for her, but it's been an unreal night,” Chen continued and mentioned her conversation with teammate, Caroline Ducharme.

“Caroline next to me kept telling me to like, ‘Be ready.’ She almost didn't let us use the bathroom just in case,” she said.

According to the Huskies, they have now produced 50 WNBA draft picks in program history, including Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, Kia Nurse and more.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: