WNBA Legend Sonia Chase Named 2026 CIAA Tournament Ambassador

A Baltimore native who made WNBA history is coming home to champion the next generation of student athletes at one of college basketball's most celebrated tournaments.

Sonia Chase, the first woman from the University of Maryland drafted directly into the WNBA, will serve as official ambassador for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championship. The tournament returns to Baltimore's CFG Bank Arena February 24-28, bringing together the nation's oldest historically Black athletic conference for a week of competition and culture.

Chase's journey from Baltimore to professional basketball courts in Greece, Turkey, and China reads like a blueprint for perseverance. She played for the Charlotte Sting and Minnesota Lynx during her decade-long professional career, earning All-Star honors and an Olympic gold medal at the U.S. Olympic Festival along the way.

But her biggest impact might be happening off the court. Since founding Chase Your Dreams Academy in 2009, she's created opportunities for more than 13,000 young people in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The nonprofit combines basketball training with financial literacy, conflict resolution, and leadership skills for youth in underserved communities.

Today, Chase leads NIL education and athlete compensation work at Secretariat's Global Sports practice, helping shape the future of college athletics. Her appointment as tournament ambassador reflects the CIAA's commitment to leaders who open doors for others.

Why This Inspires

Chase embodies what happens when successful athletes stay connected to their roots. She didn't just make it out of Baltimore; she came back with resources, knowledge, and a commitment to lift others up.

The CIAA Tournament itself represents possibility for students at 12 historically Black colleges and universities. Beyond 22 basketball games, fans can attend free career expos, educational events, and community celebrations that connect students with opportunities.

The tournament's $50 ticket discount using code SONIA makes it easier for families to experience this celebration of HBCU excellence. That accessibility matters when you're trying to show young people what's possible.

Chase put it perfectly: "The CIAA Tournament represents more than basketball. It's about culture, community, and creating pathways for future leaders." After impacting 13,000 youth through her academy, she knows exactly what those pathways look like when someone bothers to build them.

Baltimore is getting back one of its own, and she's bringing decades of wisdom to share.