Calipari Honored by McLendon Foundation with Legacy of Impact Award

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The McLendon Foundation is pleased to announce that John Calipari, head basketball coach at the University of Arkansas, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Legacy of Impact Award, the Foundation’s highest honor. The award will be presented at the second-annual Secret Summit on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in downtown Indianapolis ahead of the 2026 Men’s Final Four weekend.

The Legacy of Impact Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and actions have meaningfully advanced the values and vision of Coach John McLendon, one of the most influential figures in the history of sports. Coach McLendon was a trailblazer whose legacy centered on access, education, leadership, and opportunity both on and off the court.

Coach Calipari was selected by the McLendon Foundation Board of Directors for his commitment to creating opportunities and opening doors for aspiring leaders in sports. He was instrumental in the early vision and formation of the McLendon Leadership Initiative and has supported the program through advocacy, personal investment, and the encouragement of others across the coaching community to engage and contribute.

“Coach Calipari’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses,” said Adrien Harraway, Executive Director of the McLendon Foundation. “His early vision, sustained commitment, and belief in the foundation’s mission, continue to create meaningful opportunity and honor the legacy of Coach John McLendon.”

As the McLendon Leadership Initiative enters its seventh year, the program has placed 224 high-potential leaders since its inception in 2020. To date, the initiative has raised $9.4 million in total support and has achieved strong gender representation, with women comprising 45 percent of all fellows (101 of 224 participants).

About the McLendon Foundation
Founded in 1999, the McLendon Foundation honors the legacy of Coach John McLendon by creating access and opportunity for aspiring professionals in sports. Through scholarships, leadership initiatives, and experiential learning, the Foundation is committed to developing principled leaders prepared to make a lasting impact on the sports industry.

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