CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 9, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) proudly announces the selection of twelve exceptional students as CIAA Scholarship Recipients for The McLendon Experience, taking place October 9–10, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina.
Through this scholarship, each student will receive up to $1,000 in support, which includes free registration, hotel accommodations for three nights (October 8–10), and reimbursement for travel and food expenses to make their participation possible.
The McLendon Experience will bring together more than 200 aspiring sports professionals, student-athletes, and young leaders for two transformative days of networking, professional development, and inspiration. Participants will engage in workshops, panels, and exclusive opportunities to connect with leaders across the sports industry.
This year, the CIAA is proud to celebrate representation from every member institution, underscoring the conference's ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to leadership and professional growth opportunities for all student-athletes. In addition, CIAA Graduate Assistant Symone Wright-Flowers will attend as the Experience Leader, supporting and guiding CIAA students throughout the event.
"We are incredibly proud of our CIAA students who have been selected to participate in The McLendon Experience," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "This opportunity not only provides access through our CIAA Leadership Academy Platform to career pathways in the sports industry but also reflects the leadership, excellence, and commitment to growth that define the CIAA. We look forward to watching our students shine and represent their institutions with pride."
2025 CIAA McLendon Experience Scholarship Recipients
The CIAA congratulates all scholarship recipients and commends their leadership, excellence, and dedication to advancing both academically and professionally.
