Heart of a Champion Spotlight: Melinda Graywolf
Sport Clips is built on a culture that puts people first. Our “Heart of a Champion” guiding principles are defined by three core values created by legendary football coach Lou Holtz:
- Do what's right.
- Do your best.
- Treat others the way they want to be treated.
Each year at Sport Clips’ National Huddle, the Heart of a Champion Award recognizes Team Members who consistently embody these values through their leadership, service, and commitment to others. Based on nominations from leaders and peers, the honor celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference. This is the first in a series of each of the 2026 Heart of a Champion award winners.
In the face of significant personal challenges Melinda Graywolf has continued to do what she has always done: show up for her team, lead with integrity, and inspire others. As vice president of operations for 15 locations in Texas owned by Team Leaders Bobby & Lori Forrest, she’s never lost sight of the people who depend on her, even while navigating stage four kidney failure and relocating for treatment. At this year’s National Huddle, she was recognized as a 2026 Heart of a Champion recipient for her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others.
The Road to Leadership
While her career in haircare began in 1994 in Oklahoma, Melinda’s journey with Sport Clips began at age 27 when she took a second job to help her provide for her children as a single mother. This career move started as simply survival, but as Melinda reflected, “The longer I worked there, the more I realized I wanted to make a difference, and Sport Clips is a place where I truly could.”
She poured herself into her new role, using her experience with interviewing and hiring to help Team Leaders Bobby and Lori Forrest grow their first Sport Clips store in Watauga, TX. Melinda remained committed to the Forrests and worked her way up to Area Manager where she traveled between eight locations overseeing operations, hiring, training, and coaching.
Throughout her career with the brand, Melinda has built a list of accolades, but she found her true passion in helping others grow their careers. She created a companion training program to Sport Clips’ onboarding training to support new Stylists coming out of beauty school. The program is designed to develop the confidence and skills Stylists need to succeed in the industry. She found purpose in leading and wanted to support young Stylists as the Forrests did for her.
Resilience in Action
Strength in the face of adversity is nothing new to Melinda. Since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 16-years-old, she has faced and overcome extraordinary challenges, including heart disease, cancer, and domestic violence. Most recently, complications from Type 1 diabetes led to a diagnosis of stage four kidney failure. Through it all, she has continued to meet each day with unwavering strength and determination.
After her diagnosis, Melinda had every reason to focus solely on her own health. But instead, she leaned into her work. She continued to show up for her team even when she couldn’t be physically present. Striving to build trust and confidence throughout the organization, she makes time to listen, mentor, and support Team Members at every level.
Although her circumstances changed, her dedication never did. “Her commitment is driven by genuine love for Sport Clips and a deep sense of ownership in the success of every Team Member and location,” said Bobby, who hired Melinda all those years ago and has worked alongside her ever since. Through it all, she has remained a steady source of encouragement, helping others navigate challenges while facing significant ones of her own.
Reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her, Melinda shared, “My journey has taught me that you can walk through fire and still choose to lead with a champion’s heart. That’s who I am, and that’s what Sport Clips has allowed me to live out every day.”
Her recognition as a Heart of a Champion recipient reflects the lasting impact one leader can have on an entire organization through kindness, empathy, and unwavering dedication. But for Melinda, her role has never been about receiving recognition. It has always been about building others up, supporting her team, and doing the right thing, even when it isn't easy.