After UConn’s dominant victory over South Carolina to win the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, one of the most touching moments didn’t happen on the court—it happened during the celebration. Kaitlyn Chen, a key contributor to UConn’s success this season, was seen joyfully celebrating the title alongside her former Princeton teammates, creating a wave of emotional reactions among fans on social media.
Chen, who previously starred at Princeton, transferred to UConn for her final year of eligibility. Her decision came after an impressive Ivy League career, where she racked up numerous honors including Ivy League Player of the Year and led the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Due to Ivy League restrictions, which prevent graduate students from playing, Chen had to look elsewhere to complete her college basketball journey—and she found a home at UConn.
Despite switching programs, the bond between Chen and her former teammates remained strong. Following UConn’s championship win, photos and videos circulated of Chen sharing heartfelt moments with her old Princeton squad. Fans were deeply moved, with many commenting things like “thank you for letting us have joint custody,” referring to how both fanbases felt equally proud of her achievements.
The reunion served as a beautiful reminder of the lasting relationships built through college sports. It showed how a player can impact multiple programs and leave behind a legacy defined not just by wins, but by loyalty, friendship, and mutual respect. Chen’s story became not just one of athletic success, but of human connection that transcends team colors.
