CIAA Names Baltimore Native Sonia Chase Ambassador for 2026 Basketball Tournament

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, has named Baltimore native Sonia Chase as an official ambassador for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, scheduled for Feb. 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. Chase’s appointment marks a meaningful homecoming as the CIAA returns to Baltimore. With deep roots in the city and a global career in sports and business, she will help highlight the tournament’s connection to culture, community, and legacy. A former WNBA player, international competitor, and corporate sports executive, Chase brings nearly 30 years of experience across professional athletics, business operations, and nonprofit leadership. CIAA officials selected her to help advance the conference’s mission of leadership, excellence, and opportunity through sport.

“Sonia Chase represents everything the CIAA stands for — leadership, integrity, and service,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “Her impact on and off the court makes her the right voice for this historic tournament in Baltimore.”

Chase made history as the first woman from the University of Maryland, College Park, drafted directly into the WNBA, playing for the Charlotte Sting and Minnesota Lynx. She also competed internationally in Greece, Turkey, and China and earned All-Star honors in the NWBL. Today, Chase serves as an associate director in Secretariat’s Global Sports practice, where she leads NIL education, athlete compensation, and governance initiatives. She also founded Chase Your Dreams Academy, a nonprofit that has supported more than 13,000 youth in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. through sports, leadership, and life skills programs.

The CIAA Tournament will bring 22 men’s and women’s games, fan events, concerts, and community programming to Baltimore. Tickets and promotions are available at CIAATournament.org.