The BenGlassLaw legal team has announced Sydney Lojek as the winner of the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship. Lojek will receive $2,500 in financial support to aid her upcoming studies at Northwestern University. This scholarship recognizes students with referee experience who have creatively applied that experience in a professional context, and Lojek's efforts to address the local soccer referee shortage stood out to the selection committee.
Lojek stepped up during a time when her community faced a shortage of referees, demonstrating the kind of initiative and leadership that the scholarship aims to celebrate. Her dedication to mentoring and her ability to lead on and off the field impressed the BenGlassLaw team, reinforcing the firm's belief that a commitment to community and young athletes can significantly shape a person's career trajectory.
Beyond her high school officiating, Lojek has already made plans to continue refereeing at the collegiate level. She has researched youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, where Northwestern is located, and looks forward to helping young athletes gain confidence through sports. Her proactive approach shows a deep-rooted passion for service and a desire to remain connected to the soccer community as she transitions to college life.
As an incoming freshman, Lojek is undecided on her major but has expressed interest in economics, legal studies, and Northwestern's pre-medical track. Her ability to balance academic interests with her commitment to refereeing suggests a well-rounded individual who values both personal growth and community contribution. In her own words, "Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college."
The personal injury and disability lawyers at BenGlassLaw extend their congratulations to Lojek and wish her success as she begins her collegiate journey. They are confident that she will continue to be an asset to the communities she serves, and they are proud to support her through this scholarship.
The scholarship program is part of Ben Glass's broader commitment to nurturing young referees. Ben Glass, who has over 51 years of experience refereeing youth and high school soccer, officiates around 50 games each year. He believes that the lessons learned on the field—leadership, responsibility, and handling pressure—are invaluable for personal and professional development. His mentorship extends to writing YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee, a book offering practical advice from his decades of experience.
BenGlassLaw, a Northern Virginia-based law firm, is dedicated to helping individuals stand up to powerful insurance companies. With experience in personal injury, auto accidents, and long-term disability claims, the firm strives to secure fair compensation and guide clients through complex legal processes. This scholarship is one way the firm gives back to the community, supporting the next generation of leaders in sports and beyond.
