American ski racing icon Lindsey Vonn will join the ranks of Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Billie Jean King and Maverick Carter when she takes the lectern to deliver the commencement for USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Vonn, one of the most decorated ski racers in history, will be introduced by USC Annenberg alumna and ABC News correspondent Sophie Flay. USC leadership pointed to Vonn’s impact both in sport and media, highlighting her ability to shape her own narrative and connect with global audiences.
Over the course of a nearly 25-year career, Vonn built a legacy defined by resilience and performance at the highest level. She won three Olympic medals, eight World Cup season titles, and four overall World Cup championships, and remained competitive despite multiple major injuries. After retiring in 2019, she returned to elite racing in 2024 and continued her comeback into the 2025–26 season, earning seven podium finishes in eight races, including victories at St. Moritz and Zauchensee.
Beyond racing, Vonn has expanded her influence across media, publishing, and business. She is the author of two New York Times bestselling books and the subject of an HBO documentary, while also founding Après Productions to develop stories centered on sport and perseverance. Through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, she supports girls through education and athletics, and she has invested in women’s professional sports, including the Utah Royals and Angel City FC, reflecting a broader focus on growing opportunities for women in sport.
The speech is set for May 15th. Can’t wait to see what she has to say to the graduates. Lets Go Lindsey!
