Fairfax, Va. – Sydney Lojek, an incoming student at Northwestern University, has been named the recipient of the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship. The $2,500 award, announced by the Northern Virginia personal injury and disability law firm BenGlassLaw, recognizes Lojek's innovative use of her referee experience to address a local soccer referee shortage and her demonstrated leadership in the community.
“Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college,” Lojek said. Her commitment to officiating began as a way to fill a critical need in local youth soccer. By stepping up, she developed mentorship and leadership skills that have had a profound impact on her community and her own professional growth.
The scholarship, established by Ben Glass, who has spent over 51 years refereeing youth and high school soccer and officiates around 50 games a year, aims to support students who have used their referee experience in innovative ways. Glass, also the author of “YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee,” actively mentors young referees and is passionate about guiding the next generation.
Lojek plans to continue officiating during her college career. She has already researched youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, and looks forward to helping a new generation of athletes find their confidence on the field. As an incoming college student, she intends to balance continued community service with her pursuit of a professional degree. While undecided on her major, she is exploring interests in economics, legal studies, and Northwestern's pre-medical track.
“Sydney's story of determination and community service resonated with our team,” said a representative from BenGlassLaw. “Her commitment to her community and young athletes exemplifies the leadership qualities we aim to foster through this scholarship.”
BenGlassLaw, based in Fairfax, Virginia, specializes in personal injury, auto accident, and long-term disability claims, helping clients stand up to powerful insurance companies. The firm's dedication to community engagement is reflected in its support for young leaders like Lojek.
Lojek's achievement highlights the broader importance of referee experience in developing skills such as conflict resolution, quick decision-making, and impartiality—qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also underscores the value of officiating as a pathway to leadership and community involvement.
As Lojek prepares to start her collegiate journey, the lawyers at BenGlassLaw wish her the best and are confident she will continue to be an asset to the communities she serves.
