John Brown, who has served as athletic director for Wellesley Public Schools for the past 20 years, has announced plans to retire, staying through October.

Brown over the years has celebrated the always high participation rate of students in Wellesley athletic programs, which have racked up 47 state titles during his tenure (see the banners before and since Brown joined WHS).

In November, Brown was recognized with the 2025 MIAA William N. Gaine Jr. Sportsmanship Award, presented annually to an individual who sets an example for promoting sportsmanship in Massachusetts interscholastic athletics.

Brown came to Wellesley in 2006 from Natick High, where he was the baseball coach, and had earlier been a talented player.

The biggest change during his tenure: The rise of club sports. “Club sports is the biggest change because it had changed the landscape of Athletics and not necessarily for the best…,” he said.

Don’t ask Brown to pick a favorite team or moment: “I have so many great memories that it is hard to pick just a few. It wouldn’t be fair to all of the other great things that have happened.”

In his retirement announcement, Brown thanked many people, including those who hired him and have kept him on. And of course he singled out his office partner Mary Anne McDonald.

He also recognized his family for putting up with Brown’s often hectic schedule.

“They understood that holidays, vacations and birthdays needed to be celebrated around Wellesley games and events so that I never missed anything,” he wrote.

“How often can someone say that their hobby and their passion is their job. I would not have traded this for anything. I was able to make my living in sports in a great community,” Brown wrote.

Asked about once he departs Wellesley whether he might be tempted to go back to at least rooting for Natick baseball, he says: “When I left Natick I always said that I would root for them all but twice a year when they played Wellesley and nothing will change. Once a Raider always a Raider!”