The legal team at BenGlassLaw has announced that Sydney Lojek is the recipient of the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship. The $2,500 award will support Lojek as she begins her studies at Northwestern University, where she plans to continue her involvement in soccer officiating.
The scholarship recognizes students with referee experience who have applied their skills in innovative ways within professional settings. Lojek distinguished herself by stepping up to address a local soccer referee shortage, a move that honed her mentorship and leadership abilities. Her commitment to her community and young athletes resonated with the BenGlassLaw team, underscoring the firm's belief that such dedication can significantly impact a young person's professional trajectory.
Lojek's journey as a referee began with a desire to help, and she has grown into an exceptional young official. Her efforts not only filled a critical gap but also set an example for others. As she heads to college, Lojek intends to continue officiating, having already identified youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, where she hopes to support a new generation of players.
Beyond the soccer field, Lojek is an incoming college student with a broad range of academic interests. Although she is undecided on her major, she is considering economics, legal studies, and the pre-medical track at Northwestern. Her plans reflect a balance between continued community service and academic pursuit, a balance she is eager to maintain. "Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college," Lojek said, emphasizing the lasting influence officiating has had on her.
Ben Glass, the founder of BenGlassLaw, is not only a personal injury lawyer but also a longtime soccer referee with over 51 years of experience. He has officiated approximately 50 games a year, staying connected to the sport that has shaped his views on leadership and responsibility. His dedication to mentoring young referees led him to write "YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee," offering practical advice from his decades on the field. The scholarship is an extension of his commitment to supporting the next generation.
BenGlassLaw, a Northern Virginia law firm, focuses on helping individuals stand up to powerful insurance companies. With expertise in personal injury, auto accidents, and long-term disability claims, the firm fights for fair compensation and guides clients through complex legal processes. The scholarship reflects the firm's broader mission to support community leaders and future professionals.
This scholarship not only aids Lojek in her educational journey but also highlights the value of refereeing as a leadership training ground. It underscores how skills developed in sports officiating—such as decision-making, conflict resolution, and impartiality—can translate into professional success. For industry observers, this initiative serves as a model for how businesses can invest in community-based leadership development, potentially influencing other organizations to support students who demonstrate similar commitment.
