Scott McConnell, the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at the University of Texas, has been honored with the U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s (USBWA) Katha Quinn Award for 2025. This prestigious award, established in memory of Katha Quinn, the former sports information director at St. John’s University who passed away in 1989, recognizes individuals in college basketball who have rendered special service to the USBWA and sportswriters covering the sport.
McConnell, a 1993 graduate of the University of Texas, began his career as a student assistant and has dedicated nearly 27 years to the Texas men’s basketball program. He will formally receive the award on April 7 in San Antonio, prior to the national championship game. Throughout his tenure, McConnell has been praised for his meticulous attention to detail, passion, and professionalism. John Fanta of Fox Sports and NBC Sports, a USBWA board member, remarked, “Scott’s attention to detail, passion and outgoing nature is second to none. He’s an outstanding SID. He handles situations so professionally and is a great human.”
Reflecting on the honor, McConnell expressed his gratitude: “I am humbled and honored to receive the Katha Quinn Award from the USBWA membership, and I’m blessed to do so representing our entire communications staff and athletics department at The University of Texas.” He also acknowledged Katha Quinn’s enduring legacy, noting her significant contributions to the profession and the importance of building trusting relationships with the media.
The Katha Quinn Award, initiated in 1988, has a rich history of recognizing excellence in sports communication. Past recipients include notable figures such as Roger Valdiserri of Notre Dame, Big Ten Commissioner Wayne Duke, and former NCAA officials Bill Hancock and Tom Jernstedt.
McConnell’s recognition underscores his unwavering commitment to fostering positive relationships between athletic programs and the media, reflecting the core values that the Katha Quinn Award seeks to honor.
