Our Story
John McLendon’s legacy lives on in the opportunities others have because of him. Since 1999, the Foundation has opened doors for a new generation of leaders in sports.
In 1999, Mike Cleary and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) established the John McLendon Scholarship Foundation to help aspiring athletics administrators pursue postgraduate education and careers in sports.
Cleary, who had helped hire McLendon to coach the Cleveland Pipers four decades earlier, was honoring a longtime friend by investing in the next generation.
What began with scholarships became the McLendon Foundation’s enduring commitment to education, leadership, and opportunity.
Since then, the McLendon Foundation has expanded its work through the McLendon Leadership Initiative, The McLendon Experience, and a year-round community of learning and mentorship. Together, these programs help students and young professionals gain experience, build meaningful relationships, and prepare for careers in sports and entertainment. With each new cohort, Coach McLendon’s legacy continues through the people we support and the impact they go on to make.
Our Vision
To increase diverse representation in sports by cultivating extraordinary talent to guide the industry into a more equitable future.
Our Mission
To create access and opportunities for talented emerging leaders from every background who aspire to impact the sports industry, empowering the next generation of executive leaders through financial resources, a robust educational curriculum and an engaged community of principled leaders.
Why we exist
Talent deserves a way in.
How we do it
Scholarships, fellowships, events and mentorship.
Our Guiding Values
Leading with character on and off the court.
Investing in learning as the foundation for leadership.
Developing people who open doors for others.
Connecting emerging talent with those who've walked the path.
Talent lives everywhere.
The McLendon Foundation helps the industry find it.
Emerging talent
Students, scholars and fellows looking for a way in.
Organizations
Teams, leagues, agencies and athletics departments looking for vetted talent.
Learn how sponsors and donors fuel our mission
Your support creates opportunities for emerging professionals across sports and entertainment.