TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — With Connecticut's win on Sunday, Kaitlyn Chen (陳凱玲) became the first Taiwanese American to win an NCAA women's basketball championship.

Connecticut, which has won the NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship 11 times, advanced through the tournament to reach the finals, per CNA. On Sunday, they faced defending champions South Carolina. 

Led by Freshman Forward Sarah Strong's 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, Connecticut secured the victory early. They won by a 23-point margin to capture their first championship in nine years, marking the school’s 12th overall.

Chen, Connecticut's starting guard, contributed 2 points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists, the second highest on the team. She previously attended Princeton University, where she was a three-time Most Outstanding Player of the Ivy League Tournament. 

This season with Connecticut, she played a pivotal role as a quiet contributor to the team’s victories. With Sunday's victory, Chen has fulfilled her dream of winning a championship.

Although Chen was born and raised in California, her parents are Taiwanese immigrants, making her the first Taiwanese American player to win an NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship. Chen shared in a recent interview with CT Insider that her parents have played a crucial role in her basketball journey. 

She said they would take red-eye flights to attend her games and support her as she traveled. "I love when I get to look up in the stands and see them there. It means so much. And they’ve supported me throughout my whole journey. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them and their support. So, I'm just very grateful for that," said Chen.