The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association recently appointed 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, a Baltimore native and former WNBA player, brings nearly three decades of experience in professional sports, business operations and nonprofit leadership to the role. 

“Sonia Chase embodies the values and vision of the CIAA: leadership, integrity and service,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. 

Chase was the first woman from the University of Maryland, College Park, drafted directly into the WNBA. She played for the Charlotte Sting and Minnesota Lynx during a career that spanned a decade and included international competitions. She won an Olympic gold medal at the U.S. Olympic Festival as a Division I collegiate athlete. 

Chase currently serves as an associate director in Secretariat’s Global Sports practice, where she leads work in NIL/athlete compensation, NIL education, college sports commission governance and compliance and sponsorship operations. 

She also founded Chase Your Dreams Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for youth in low-income and underserved communities in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Since 2009, the academy and its Nike basketball and youth development camps have served more than 13,000 young people through programs combining athletic training with financial literacy, conflict resolution and leadership development. 

“The CIAA Tournament represents more than basketball — it’s about culture, community and creating pathways for future leaders,” Chase said. “To serve as an ambassador for the 2026 Tournament is deeply meaningful to me, not only as a former student-athlete and professional player, but as someone committed to using sports as a vehicle for opportunity, education and lasting impact.” 

In addition to 22 men’s and women’s basketball games, the event features a two-day fan festival, education day, career expo, community day, Greek night, step shows, concerts and day parties.