Pacific Athletic Director Janet Lucas announces retirement from UOP

Janet Lucas, the University of the Pacific’s athletic director, announced on Wednesday that she is retiring this summer following a 43-year-long career in athletics. Lucas was at the helm of Pacific’s athletics for the past five years.

“This place, the Pacific Athletics Family and our collective mission are tremendously important to me, and as I complete my 43rd year in college athletics, the time has come to step away and begin the next stage of my life,” Lucas said in a news release.

Throughout her time at Pacific, she has navigated the 17 Division I teams through a worldwide pandemic. She did so all while maintaining focus on the success of student-athletes on and off the court. Her leadership reflected the universities student-first philosophies from the moment she took over in May of 2018.

Lucas's last day as athletic director will be on Aug. 2.

"I will always value the fond memories – celebrating the wins, collectively mourning the tough losses, appreciating the victory that each graduating class brings, and, of course, sharing the commitment of being on this journey together," Lucas said. "Your support and your caring have been gifts for which I am truly grateful and I thank you."

Record reporter Shannon Belt covers sports. She can be reached at sbelt@recordnet.com or on Twitter @ShannonBelt3. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.