Sydney Lojek Awarded 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship

The legal team at BenGlassLaw has announced that Sydney Lojek is the recipient of the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship, a $2,500 award supporting her upcoming academic year at Northwestern University. This scholarship recognizes students who have leveraged their referee experience in innovative ways within professional environments, and Lojek's proactive response to a local soccer referee shortage stood out to the selection committee.

Lojek's initiative to help solve the referee shortage not only filled a critical need in her community but also honed her mentorship and leadership abilities, skills that will serve her well in her collegiate career and beyond. Her commitment to service and her exceptional qualities as a young referee impressed the BenGlassLaw team, which values dedication to community and youth sports as a foundation for professional growth.

Planning to continue officiating while at Northwestern, Lojek has already explored youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, eager to support the next generation of athletes in finding confidence on the field. As an incoming freshman, she intends to balance her community involvement with her academic pursuits, expressing interest in economics, legal studies, and Northwestern's pre-medical track, though she remains undecided on her major.

Reflecting on her passion, Lojek noted, "Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college." This sentiment resonates with the scholarship's purpose, as it encourages students to integrate their referee experiences into their professional development.

The scholarship is part of BenGlassLaw's broader commitment to supporting young officials, inspired by attorney Ben Glass's 51 years of refereeing youth and high school soccer. Glass, who officiates around 50 games per year, has mentored young referees and authored YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee to share his insights. This scholarship extends his mentorship by providing financial assistance to promising students.

BenGlassLaw, a Northern Virginia law firm specializing in personal injury, auto accidents, and long-term disability claims, congratulates Lojek and expresses confidence that she will continue to be an asset to her communities. The firm's support of this scholarship underscores its dedication to fostering leadership and service among young people.