Kaitlyn Chen Reveals Why Ballhalla Is So Special

Kaitlyn Chen steps into the WNBA Finals prep presser with the same qualities that have defined her all season: joy, gratitude, and a genuine love for the people she plays with and plays for. Ballhalla is the sixth player, and Kaitlyn felt its energy all the way in Vegas. A sea of purple filled an opposing team's arena. The fans somehow always know when the team needs their energy most, and they bring it every single time.

The bond in this locker room runs deep. Players who weren't always believed in found each other and built something special that brought them to the WNBA Finals. Kaitlyn put it simply: everyone uplifts each other, everyone trusts each other to do what they're really good at, and everyone brings something unique. That's what makes this team special.

Coach Nakase has believed in Chen from the very first day she arrived. What stands out most is something Kaitlyn described as rare: the ability to uplift every single player while holding everyone accountable to the same standard. That balance is the culture that carried this team all the way here.

Tiffany Hayes has been one of Chen's greatest teachers this season. TIP's composure with the ball and her ability to slow everything down even while moving at full speed are things you simply cannot teach. Talking through what she sees on the court with TIP has made Chen sharper in every way.

The Atlanta Dream in the Finals is not the same team they were in June. The Valkyries know it, and they're ready for the challenge.

When asked about joy, Kaitlyn was honest. There are good days and bad days, but what always brings the joy back is the people. Playing with teammates you love is ultimately what makes basketball the best thing in the world. Right now, she has that in full.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Finals Prep Presser | Kaitlyn Chen | Atlanta Dream | WNBA Finals | 2025

00:00 — Ballhalla Is the Sixth Man: They Know When We Need Them
00:17 — Winning at Different Levels: Can Collegiate Experience Help in the Finals?
00:56 — The Bond Built From Players Who Were Not Believed In
01:22 — Chen's Journey: Coaches Who Believed in Her From Day One
02:03 — What Coach Nakase Does That Is Rare: Uplift and Accountability Together
02:40 — What TIP Taught Chen That You Cannot Teach
03:00 — The Role of Valk Nation: A Sea of Purple Even in Vegas
03:25 — State Farm Arena: What It Means for the Growth of the WNBA
03:45 — Atlanta Is Not the Same Team From June: Clean Slate Going In
04:10 — Joy in Basketball: Playing With People You Love Is Everything