Calipari to Receive Legacy of Impact Award from McLendon Foundation

University of Arkansas men's basketball coach to be honored for his support of leadership program.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The McLendon Foundation has named University of Arkansas men's basketball coach John Calipari as the 2026 recipient of its Legacy of Impact Award, the organization's highest honor. Calipari will be recognized at the second-annual Secret Summit on April 2, 2026, in downtown Indianapolis ahead of the Men's Final Four weekend.

Why it matters

The Legacy of Impact Award honors individuals whose leadership reflects the values of the late coach John McLendon, a pioneering figure in basketball known for advancing access, education and opportunity in sports. Calipari was selected for his role in supporting and helping shape the McLendon Leadership Initiative, a program designed to create pathways for aspiring leaders in athletics.

The details

According to the foundation, Calipari has backed the McLendon Leadership Initiative through advocacy, personal investment and by encouraging participation from others in the coaching community. The program has placed 224 fellows since launching in 2020 and has raised $9.4 million in support, with women accounting for 45 percent of the participants.

  • The McLendon Foundation will present the Legacy of Impact Award to Calipari on April 2, 2026, in Indianapolis.
  • The McLendon Leadership Initiative was launched in 2020.

The players

John Calipari

The University of Arkansas men's basketball coach who will receive the Legacy of Impact Award from the McLendon Foundation.

John McLendon

A pioneering figure in basketball known for advancing access, education and opportunity in sports, whose legacy the Legacy of Impact Award honors.

Adrien Harraway

The executive director of the McLendon Foundation.

McLendon Leadership Initiative

A program designed to create pathways for aspiring leaders in athletics, which Calipari has supported.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Calipari's impact extends far beyond wins and losses. 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.”

— Adrien Harraway, Executive Director, McLendon Foundation (ktlo.com)

What’s next

Calipari will be recognized at the second-annual Secret Summit on April 2, 2026, in downtown Indianapolis ahead of the Men's Final Four weekend.

The takeaway

Calipari's support for the McLendon Leadership Initiative, which aims to create pathways for aspiring leaders in athletics, has been instrumental in honoring the legacy of pioneering coach John McLendon and advancing access, education, and opportunity in sports.