As a retired basketball player, high school girls basketball and volleyball coach, referee, and former Recreation Instructor right here in Cleveland, Ohio, I cherished the experiences and opportunities that having a WNBA team in our city brought about. The Cleveland Rockers were not just a team—they were a source of local pride, passion, and empowerment for aspiring female athletes who could dream of reaching the professional level right here, in their hometown. 

Unfortunately, we have not enjoyed the spirit of a homegrown women's professional basketball team since the Rockers ended in 2003. The absence has left a void, one that is deeply felt by not just me but thousands of aspiring basketball players, enthusiasts, and young girls who are seeking role models in the form of local professional athletes. 

In a time when female sports are experiencing unprecedented growth and global recognition, it is only fitting that Cleveland—the city that boasts of sportive glory—should have a team in the Women's National Basketball Association once again. It's more than a game. It's about inspiring and motivating our young women, showing them that they can reach their dreams at professional levels, right here in Cleveland.

Take a stand with me and back the return of the Cleveland Rockers. Let's bring back professional women’s basketball to Cleveland, and let’s show our young athletes that we support them. It’s time to sign this petition and regenerate the Rockers' spirit for the next generation of aspiring Cleveland athletes.