The league announced that Big East Senior Associate Commissioner for Sports Media Relations John Paquette will retire at the end of the academic year.
After 35 years in the game, the legendary media relations administrator is calling it quits.
Big East’s John Paquette to Retire After 35 Years in Media Relations
In a press release, the Big East Conference announced Paquette’s retirement, stating that this week’s tournament will be his 35th and last as media coordinator.
CSC leaders and members extend our biggest congratulations to CSC past president (2023-24) and @BIGEAST Sr. Associate Commissioner John Paquette (@wjpaquette) who announced his upcoming retirement today.
A legendary college sports communicator & a CSC Hall of Famer, John has… pic.twitter.com/ulFAT5LYYf
— College Sports Communicators (@CollSportsComm) March 11, 2025
Paquette served at the Big East in the lead communications role from 1990 after four years at Seton Hall University. He manages day-to-day relationships with print and electronic journalists for the conference and is regarded as “one of the most respected communications administrators in college sports,” the league wrote.
Paquette has been a fixture at Big East tournaments since 1987 and mentored many communications interns on their way to productive careers in college athletics, the release said.
Paquette is a member of the Big East’s senior management team and oversees a communications staff responsible for administering all 22 Big East Championships. He also directed the league’s annual pre-season basketball media day at Madison Square Garden.
“While it’s impossible to imagine a BIG EAST world without John Paquette in it, we join in the chorus of congratulations that we know will come his way with this announcement,” said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman.
KEEP READING: Ryan Kalkbrenner Makes History with 4th Straight Big East DPOY Award
“The BIG EAST will be eternally grateful to John for countless late nights, unrelenting travel, his unmatched knowledge about our proud history, and the extraordinary relationships he’s developed with media members across the country. Simply put, few have done more for the BIG EAST than John. We wish him, Debbie, Phil, Charlotte, Terry, and his family nothing but the best as they begin this new family chapter.”
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
