The legal team at BenGlassLaw has announced that Sydney Lojek is the recipient of the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship. Lojek will receive $2,500 to support her upcoming studies at Northwestern University. This scholarship recognizes students with referee experience who have applied their skills in professional settings, and Lojek's proactive approach to addressing the local soccer referee shortage stood out to the selection committee.
Lojek's journey into refereeing began when she noticed a shortage of officials in her community. Rather than simply stepping in to fill the gap, she took on the challenge with a mindset focused on mentorship and leadership. Her dedication to fostering a positive environment for young athletes and her ability to manage high-pressure situations on the field demonstrated the very qualities the scholarship aims to encourage. The BenGlassLaw team, which values commitment to community and youth sports, was moved by her story of determination and service.
Looking ahead, Lojek plans to continue officiating throughout her college career. She has already researched youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, where Northwestern is located, and is eager to help a new generation of players build their confidence. Balancing her academic pursuits, Lojek remains undecided on her major but is exploring interests in economics, legal studies, and the pre-medical track. Her passion for both community involvement and professional growth is evident in her plans to stay connected to soccer while serving others.
"Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college," Lojek said, reflecting her deep commitment to the sport and its community. Her enthusiasm and leadership are exactly what the scholarship seeks to celebrate, and the BenGlassLaw team is confident she will continue to be an asset wherever she goes.
Ben Glass, the founder of BenGlassLaw, has over 51 years of experience refereeing youth and high school soccer. He officiates about 50 games annually, which keeps him close to the sport that has shaped his views on leadership and responsibility. He actively mentors young referees and authored YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee to share practical advice from his decades on the field. This scholarship is an extension of his dedication to supporting the next generation of officials.
BenGlassLaw, a Northern Virginia law firm, specializes in personal injury, auto accident, and long-term disability claims. The firm is known for helping clients stand up to powerful insurance companies and secure fair compensation. By offering this scholarship, BenGlassLaw reinforces its commitment to community involvement and the development of young leaders. The lawyers at BenGlassLaw extend their best wishes to Lojek as she begins her collegiate journey, confident she will excel in all her endeavors.
