In the world of basketball, success isn’t solely measured by points on the scoreboard—it’s also about the impact made off the court. Enter Sonia Chase, a former WNBA player who is flipping the script on community development through her innovative nonprofit, Chase Your Dreams Academy. As the NBA playoffs heat up, Sonia is scoring big with her ambitious $1.7 million fundraising campaign, aimed at transforming the lives of underserved youth in the DMV area.
At the recent Radio One Baltimore appearance, Sonia’s passion jumped through the speakers as she laid out her vision: summer basketball and educational camps for 1,500 young athletes. “This campaign isn’t just about basketball — it’s about building futures, breaking cycles, and creating legacy through mentorship,” she proclaimed, igniting a movement that calls for community support.
With experience that stems from playing professionally in multiple countries and representing the United States at the Olympic Festival, Sonia isn’t just another voice in the sports world; she’s a beacon of hope and leadership. The upcoming 2025 NIKE Basketball and Education Summer Camps reflect this ethos, integrating skill development with personal and financial literacy training, ensuring that these youth are not just better players but well-rounded individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges.
Her accolades speak volumes: a 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and a featured speaker at DC History Week, where she celebrated the contributions of the Ethiopian community. Sonia’s advocacy for cultural representation and economic empowerment is as fierce as her competitive spirit on the court.
As the summer approaches, there’s no doubt that Chase Your Dreams Academy is serving up more than just basketball drills—it’s delivering life-changing opportunities, one jump shot at a time. This is the type of slam dunk that has the potential to change the game for generations to come.
