On the eve of a winner‑takes‑all Game 7, Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen chose a frankfurter‑themed outfit to defuse the pressure.
Key points
- Kaitlyn Chen’s hot‑dog costume became a viral moment ahead of the WNBA Finals’ Game 7.
- Former teammates and fans embraced the outfit, using it to boost excitement for the matchup.
- Coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the importance of individuality and joy while stressing team focus and execution.
As the Golden State Valkyries prepared for a decisive Game 7 of the WNBA Finals at San Francisco’s Chase Center, 24‑year‑old guard Kaitlyn Chen arrived in a one‑piece hot‑dog costume, complete with mustard and relish, according to SFGATE.
The eye‑catching ensemble was posted on the team’s official Valkyries account on October 31, 2026, and quickly spread across social media, prompting former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd to share the image with captions like “Just perfect” and “She’s not real,” respectively.
A playful pregame look
Fans riding the T Third Street Muni line to the arena reportedly showed the post to one another, breaking into a “LET’S GO VALKS” chant as they disembarked, turning the costume into a rallying point for the home crowd.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said she was unaware of Chen’s Halloween‑style attire until a reporter mentioned it during the pregame press conference, but she quickly praised the guard’s willingness to “find joy in every moment” and to “make fun of herself,” calling it a rare quality.
Teammates and fans react
Nakase added that the team’s varied personalities—from Chen’s humor to Tiffany Hayes’s calm composure—must converge in the locker room for disciplined execution, emphasizing that “we gotta want to be the team that wants it more.” She concluded the exchange with a light‑hearted “Hot dog.”
Reader questions
What did Kaitlyn Chen wear before Game 7?
She arrived at the Chase Center in a full hot‑dog costume, complete with mustard and relish, as reported by SFGATE.
How did coach Natalie Nakase react to the costume?
Nakase said she was surprised but praised Chen’s ability to bring joy and humor, noting it fit the team’s culture while emphasizing the need for focus.
What was the fan response to the outfit?
Fans on public transit shared the post, chanted “LET’S GO VALKS,” and the image quickly spread on social media, generating excitement for the game.
Source: sfgate.com
