Aaron Lee

For anyone still reliving the Valkyries championship - it’s historic for so many reasons. This roster was made up entirely of underdogs - 4 players who were cut from the WNBA at one point, a 37-year-old who quit the game less than 3 years ago, a superstar who tore her ACL twice and has been widely underrated her whole career, even a coach who was a college walk-on. They played TEAM basketball, and proved why you should never give up. 💜💜 #valkyries @NBCSWarriors

Kaitlyn Chen graduated from UConn in 2025 & didn’t expect to get drafted. She showed up to WNBA draft night to support her close friend & teammate Paige Bueckers. Chen was pulled from the crowd stunned when her name was called 30th overall. Still, 3rd round picks rarely make it to the opening day roster in the W. Sure enough, she was waived by the Valkyries after preseason. Chen went straight to work to make sure she was ready if she got a call. That call came a month later and she rejoined the Valkyries. In the offseason, she worked her butt off playing overseas and for Athletes Unlimited, but the Valks only signed her to a 2026 training camp contract, essentially a try out. She continued to put her head down and work. The team announced she earned a spot, and soon a key bench role. Now she’s a champion. Inspiration. #valkyries

In 2024 just before the season opener, Veronica Burton learned she had been cut by the Dallas Wings. After being drafted 7th overall in 2022, it just never quite clicked. She averaged just 2.4ppg in 2023. Burton says she was embarrassed, she went home & worked out in a YMCA with her high school coach, waiting for her shot. The Connecticut Sun picked her up later that season, and the Valkyries saw her special potential. They picked her in the expansion draft, she was the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player, and now she’s a champion. Resilience. #valkyries