WNBA Valkyries' Asian Heritage Night: Taiwanese-American Youth Player Cites Chen as Role Model

(CNA reporter Cindy Chang, San Francisco, May 15) — The Golden State Valkyries of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) hosted their Asian Heritage Night today, featuring a pregame performance by Taiwanese-American youth player Audrey Wu and her teammates from the Bay Area Ninja Youth Basketball Club. In an interview, Wu said she looks up to fellow Taiwanese-American guard Kaitlyn Chen as a role model, inspired by Chen’s determination and ability to seize opportunities despite not being tall, just like herself.

The Golden State Valkyries held their Asian Heritage Night tonight at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The team, which began its inaugural season in 2025, made history as the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the playoffs in its debut season, generating consistent buzz since formation.

Kaitlyn Chen, the Taiwanese-American guard on the Valkyries, enjoys high visibility in the San Francisco Bay Area and continues to receive steady playing time.

The Valkyries defeated their in-state rivals, the Los Angeles Sparks, 78–58 tonight, securing their first three-game winning streak of the season. Chen came off the bench for 10 minutes and 5 seconds, scoring 6 points with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, showcasing efficiency.

In celebration of Asian Heritage Night, the team partnered with the Asian-American community to invite the San Jose-based Ninja Youth Basketball Club to perform a pregame exhibition, highlighting the energy of young Asian-American athletes. Fourteen-year-old Audrey Wu represented the club in interviews, telling CNA she is deeply passionate about basketball and hopes to pursue a professional career despite the challenge of her height.

"I’m a shorter guard, so it’s harder to drive past, defend, or shoot over taller players," Wu said. She cited Chen as her role model: "She also has a Taiwanese background, and I truly admire her attitude and fighting spirit. Even without the height advantage, she finds her way to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities."

Wu added, "She inspires me deeply… I need to work harder to find my strengths and use speed, skill, and decision-making to overcome my height disadvantage."

In addition to the Ninja Youth Basketball Club’s pregame activities, the evening’s U.S. national anthem performance and halftime martial arts showcase were led primarily by Asian-American youth. Some martial arts performers came from diverse ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the Bay Area’s multicultural participation.

Wu said the Valkyries’ Asian Heritage Night is highly meaningful—not only representing Asian-American cultural heritage but also symbolizing the efforts of previous generations and families that have enabled young people like her to step onto the court and pursue their basketball dreams.

Tonight’s game drew 18,064 spectators, marking the team’s 30th consecutive regular-season sellout. (Editor: Chloe Chang) 1150616

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