CLEVELAND, Ohio – The McLendon Foundation announced today that Joanna Lohman, former U.S. Women's National Team player, author, leadership expert, and a contestant on Season 39 of CBS's The Amazing Race, will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 McLendon Experience, taking place October 1 and 2 in Durham, North Carolina.
 
A 16-year professional athlete and one of only 270 women in history to wear the U.S. Women's National Team jersey, Lohman earned nine USWNT caps and captained the U-21 USWNT to multiple international trophies. At Penn State, she was named Big Ten Player of the Year, was a Hermann Trophy finalist, and earned Four-Time Academic All-American honors. She went on to compete professionally around the world and became the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired.
 
Lohman has carried the lessons from her playing career into her work as a leadership and performance expert, helping individuals and organizations build stronger teams, navigate pressure, and create greater impact. She serves on the Yale School of Management's Experience Leaders Initiative Advisory Board, is the author of Raising Tomorrow's Champions, and most recently brought her competitive spirit, adaptability, and leadership to a new stage as a contestant on Season 39 of CBS's The Amazing Race.
 
"Coach McLendon believed in challenging what was possible and creating opportunities for others. Joanna Lohman has done that throughout her career, both on and off the field, and we are thrilled to welcome her to The McLendon Experience," said Adrien Harraway, Executive Director of the McLendon Foundation. 

Built around the theme Unite. Uplift. Unleash., The McLendon Experience is where the sports industry discovers its future leaders by bringing together emerging talent with executives, recruiters, and decision makers from organizations including the NCAA, NFL, USGA, ESPN, Deloitte, Fanatics, Under Armour, Octagon, Legends, and more. 

Unlike traditional conferences, The McLendon Experience is the premier talent exchange for the sports industry, creating meaningful opportunities for attendees to build relationships, explore career paths, and connect directly with organizations that are hiring and shaping the future of sports. 

Whether you are seeking your first internship, preparing for your first full-time role, or looking to expand your professional network, The McLendon Experience offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, build lasting relationships, and accelerate your career. 

Registration is nearing capacity, and a limited number of spots remain for the 2026 McLendon Experience. 

View the 2026 McLendon Experience Agenda HERE
 
Register for The McLendon Experience HERE 

Become a Sponsor HERE 

Additional speakers and participating organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.