2019 Referee of the Week Awards

Week 1 - Brandon Marion

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Brandon Marion from Triangle (NC) ISOA as the Week 1 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Brandon resides in High Point, NC; he was nominated by NISOA National Referee Robert Dail for his outstanding referee performance in a men’s exhibition match between UNC-Greensboro vs. Montreat College.

In Robert’s words; “While this was a NAIA vs Division 1 game, Mr. Marion effectively managed numerous flash points to maintain a safe and entertaining contest for all stakeholders. Issuing only one card, to a frustrated Montreat College athlete, Mr. Marion called fouls all over the pitch and “let the air out of the game” in a manner that allowed a boiling pot to simmer and dissipate in a safe and orderly manner. It is of note that Mr. Marion was working with two relatively new NISOA officials and he used this game, and the debrief afterwards, as an educational opportunity to walk less experienced officials through his thought process.”

Brandon has been a member of NISOA since 2002 and an active member of the NISOA National Referee Program since 2008. He was selected to officiate at the 2014 and 2015 NCAA Division II Men’s Final Four.

Off the field, Brandon contributes to the development of soccer officials through his dual role as the USYS South Region Assistant Referee Administrator and Boys ODP Referee Administrator.

During the winter months, Brandon works as a NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Official in the following conferences; A-10, Big South, CAA, SOCON,

Congratulations Brandon!

Thanks to Official Sports for their continued support of this award and NISOA

Week 2 - Wes Caouette

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Wes Caouette from Mid-South Tennessee ISOA as the week 2 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Wes resides in Collierville, Tennessee; a suburb located in the Memphis metropolitan area. He was nominated by Chapter President, Region V Area Coordinator, and Conference Assignor, Mark Herrington for his outstanding referee performance in a men’s NAIA match between Johnson & Wales University (FL) vs. #16 University of Mobile (AL)

In Mark’s words; “Wes took charge of 3 matches last week, highlighted by the Johnson & Wales at Mobile Men’s NAIA match. Wes and crew did an outstanding job keeping an extremely spirited and competitive match under control. In the first half, Wes had a sequence of a reckless foul, advantage, goal, and then issued a delayed caution. In the second half, Wes exhibited great teamwork with his crew in deescalating a mass confrontation and issuing the appropriate misconduct. Wes had a very high work rate from start to finish along with good foul recognition including a penalty kick decision where he was in the most optimal position to identify the push and give credibility for the decision. While we are only 3 weeks into the season, Wes has received very positive evaluations and high remarks from both coaches and his peers.”

Wes has been a member of NISOA since 2013 and regularly receives assignments in the AAC, Gulf South, SAA, SEC, and the SWAC. He is registered as a “Regional Referee” under the 2020 US Soccer Referee Grading System.

Off the field, Wes is active in his local chapter as a member of the recruitment committee and contributes to the development of new officials by participating in the RefereeInMemphis Mentor Program

Congratulations Wes!

Week 3-Miriama Kočišová

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Miriama “Mina” Kočišová from Alabama ISOA as the week 3 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Mina resides in Troy, AL; she was nominated by Alabama ISOA Chapter Contact and Local Assignor Pete Dakis for her outstanding referee performances in both the Southern States Athletic Conference and the Gulf South Conference.

In Pete’s words; “Mina conducts herself in the upmost professional manner both on and off the field. She is a hard-working individual who pays close attention to detail. Mina always approaches each match with a business-like attitude, no matter the level of play, and assists her crew by providing pertinent information prior to each match. I worked with her several times since Mina transferred into our chapter and she has been accurate with offside decisions and highly effective with her management control of the coaches. We are very fortune to have her as a member of Alabama ISOA.”

Mina has been a member of NISOA since 2012, having started her collegiate soccer officiating career as a member of Ohio ISOA and later transferring into Alabama ISOA in 2017. In 2018, she was selected to officiate at the Gulf South Conference Tournament and the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s National Finals, where she was appointed the Referee on the Semifinal match and an Assistant Referee on the Final. Mina has worked in the following conferences; Big 10, Big 12, CUSA, GSC, Horizon, MAC, SEC, SSAC, and the SWAC. She is registered as a Regional Referee under the new 2020 US Soccer Referee Grading System.

Off the field, Mina works at Troy University as a Financial Aid Counselor and teaches journalism classes. She is originally from Slovakia and prides herself on being multilingual; speaking English, German, Spanish, and Slovak.

Blahoželanie Mina!

Week 4-Richard Rodriguez

On behalf of the selection committee,we are proud to announce Richard Rodriguez from Rockland Westchester (NY) ISOA (RWISOA) as the week 4 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Richard resides in Monticello, NY. He was nominated by NISOA National Referee David Bork for his “lead by example” attitude and his commitment to RWISOA members through his leadership position within the local chapter. Richard officiated the following matches during this nomination period, Assistant Referee between Marist vs Albany and the Referee position for the men’s match between St Thomas Aquinas College vs. University of Bridgeport and the women’s match between University of Albany vs. Hartford.

In David’s words; “Richard has made it his job to find the “Amazing” in each of us by always pushing the membership to be the our best and has taught us to believe in ourselves for the strength and confidence for success. He makes every match a learning experience and has instilled in us to be coachable by learning to how to accept criticism in order to become a better official. Richard is a firm believe that your level of achievement is directly correlated to your level of commitment. Today we are in a much better place because Richard has dedicated himself to the overall improvement of our chapter and the referee community by demonstrating the skills of a successful leader and empowering each of us to be our best in life.”

Richard has been a member of NISOA since 2005 and is currently an active member of the NISOA National Referee Program. He also serves as the President on the Executive Board for the Rockland Westchester Chapter. Since becoming actively involved with the RWISOA chapter, Richard has taken a “hands on” approach to help the local chapter become one of the most progressive and fastest growing NISOA chapters in the country. He introduced a Referee Development and Assessment Program as a major initiative to focus on recruiting, retaining, and developing officials by maintaining a positive relationship and working directly with local conference assignors.

Richard is a strong believer in supporting referees of all backgrounds and experience levels. By working closely with NISOA leadership and various Conference Assignors, he has been able to promote and maintain the highest level of officiating by organizing local practical field training clinics and NISOA National Referee clinics.

Congratulations Richard!

Week 5-Nicholas Vass

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Nicholas Vass from Northern Ohio Collegiate Soccer Officials Association (NOCSOA) as the week 5 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Nicholas resides in Akron, OH; he was nominated by NISOA Region VII Representative Brian Miller for his outstanding assistant referee performance in a men’s match between Notre Dame College vs. Frostburg State and Nicholas’ inspiration to his fellow colleagues.

In Brian’s words; “Nick is someone that inspires others through his actions and quiet leadership. Whether on the field or off, he is someone that lives and officiates in a way that shows others how they should – a true role model. Nick has battled a series of serious medical setbacks with courage and tenacity, all while officiating a full slate of college games, serving his fellow NISOA referees as a board member within his local chapter, working a full-time job, and coaching a high school team. He is quick to make a joke, flash a smile, and put others first even when he is in discomfort and pain due to his medical treatments. When I see Nick on my schedule, no matter the level of the game, that assignment instantly becomes the one I look most forward to working in the season. By his example, Nick unintendedly pushes many of his fellow NISOA officials through hard work to be better referees and better people. Nick exemplifies what a NISOA member should be – his passion, selflessness, and ability to overcome adversity on a daily basis and because of this, makes him the perfect nomination for this prestigious award.”

Nicholas has been a member of NISOA since 2009; currently working in the following Division I, II, and III Conferences: GLIAC, GMAC, Horizon, MAC, MEC, NCAC, and the OAC.

Off the field, Nicholas contributes to the development of soccer officials through his role as District Advisory Representative for NOCSOA within the Akron-Canton area. He is responsible for recruitment and the processing of new memberships.

When not officiating, Nicholas is employed at Itron as a technical consultant. Itron is a technology company based in the United States that offers products and services on energy and water resource management.

Congratulations Nicholas!

Week 6-Jervis Atagana

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Jervis Atagana from Midwest Missouri ISOA as the week 6 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Jervis resides in Saint Charles, Missouri. He was nominated by NISOA National Referee George Major for his outstanding performances on the field and professionalism off the field. Jervis was assigned to 4 matches last week, highlighted by the A-10 women’s match between Saint Louis University vs. St. Joseph’s as AR1.

In George’s words; “Jervis takes his assignments with the upmost professionalism and does a great job in both the Referee and Assistant Referee positions. He is very coachable by being open to feedback and does well to implement immediately. Jervis helps his fellow colleagues by sharing education and advice he’s received from attending various events. He has excelled in taking his experiences as a successful Division II athlete and using them to improve his “feel for the game” and empathy within collegiate matches.

Jervis has been a member of NISOA since 2015, having started his collegiate soccer officiating career as a member of Central Missouri ISOA and later transferring into Midwest Missouri ISOA earlier this year. Currently, Jervis is assigned matches in the following conferences; A-10, AMC, GLVC, MAC, OVC, SEC, SLIAC, and the Summit. He is registered as a “Regional Referee” under the new 2020 US Soccer Referee Grading System.

Jervis was a 4-year starter at Missouri University of Science and Technology, helping the Miners advance to the NCAA Division II Regional Final and attaining the program’s highest-ever national ranking in the final poll of the 2010 season (#13).

Off the field, Jervis is a Civil Engineer for Horner & Shifrin in St. Louis, Missouri.

Congratulations Jervis!

Week 7-Katina Salvey

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Katina Salvey from Oregon ISOA as the week 7 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Katina, or known by her friends at Katie, resides in Vancouver, WA; she was nominated by NISOA Conference Assignor Linda Velie for her outstanding performances on the field and professionalism off the field. During this selection week, Katie was assigned as Senior Assistant Referee on a conference Women’s match between Warner Pacific University and Northwest University.

In Linda’s words; “Katie is a tremendous individual that takes great pride in representing herself with the upmost professionalism both on and off the field. No matter the position within the crew or the level of the match, Katie approaches every game like it’s the most important match of her career. As a physical therapist, she provides her patients the best opportunity for the best recovery and is determined to see them succeed in physical activities post-surgery. Being a former patient myself, I had firsthand experience of Katie’s compassion, positive attitude, and work ethic. Katie is amazing in everything she does and exemplifies what this award means to the NISOA community and to Terry Vaughn.”

Katie has been a member of NISOA since 2008, having taken 3 years off (2012-2014) to finish graduate school, but immediately returned to the field in 2015. In 2004, Katie was selected as the Young Referee of the Year in Washington, a state rich in tradition for developing soccer officials. Last year, Katie was chosen to officiate at the GNAC Championships at Concordia University. She is an active member of the NISOA National Referee Program.

Off the field, Katie contributes to the development of soccer officials through her role as the Executive Board Secretary for Columbia Soccer Referees Association in Southwest Washington as well as mentoring youth officials for preparation of higher-level opportunities.

In her professional life, Katie is an accomplished Physical Therapist, having just completed 5 years at Vancouver Clinic for Outpatient Orthopedics. In 2014, she received the Eastern Washington University Faculty Merit Award for “the student in our program who consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion, a quest for knowledge, and growth throughout the curriculum.”

Congratulations Katie!

Week 8-Jennifer Dumaine

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Jennifer Dumaine from EPD PA ISOA as the week 8 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Jennifer resides in Philadelphia, PA; she was nominated by NISOA Region III Area Coordinator Dan Rudloff for her outstanding performances on the field and professionalism off the field. Jennifer was assigned to 4 matches last week, highlighted by the CACC DII Men’s match between Goldey-Beacom College vs. Holy Family University as the Referee.

In Dan’s words; “Jennifer has shown she can handle being the Referee within contentious Philly area DII men’s matches with true professionalism and precision in decision making. Using her experiences as a former collegiate player, Jennifer understands the importance of game management and knowing when to identify the flashpoints within a match. She has done an excellent job taking charge of DII Men’s matches and is ready for even greater challenges in the future.”

Jennifer was a 4-year letter winner in soccer at Hanover College from 2009-2013, utilized predominately as an outside midfielder.

Jennifer is in her first year as a NISOA member. She is a US Soccer referee, having attended ODP regional events in Region 1, 2, and 3. In 2014, Jennifer was selected at the Southern Kentucky Soccer Referee Association Newcomer of the Year Award for High School Soccer.

Jennifer continues to give back to the soccer community by actively participating in the Philadelphia Open Soccer (PHILOS), where she is a volunteer coach for an afterschool program held for refugee families mostly from Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, working on technical skills, introduction on the laws of the game, and scrimmaging against other teams within in the program.

Off the field, Jennifer is a 5th year graduate student, working toward her PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon completing her degree in 2020, she will continue her research in the infectious disease field for her postdoctoral training.

Congratulations Jennifer!

Week 9-Luis Arroyo

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Luis Arroyo from ISOA NJ as the week 9 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Luis resides in Lakewood, NJ; he was nominated by NISOA National Referee Mike De Felice for his outstanding performances on the field and professionalism off the field. Luis was assigned to two matches last week, highlighted by the Big East men’s match between #4 St John’s University vs #7 Georgetown University as AR2.

In Mike’s words; “Luis is one of those officials that when you see him assigned to your crew, you know he will be giving maximum effort, no matter the gender or level of play. He approaches his college assignments with the same professionalism as he does his high level USSF assignments. Luis is very approachable and his willingness to help newer officials does not go unnoticed. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Luis over the past few years and his growth as a referee has exponentially increased because of his commitment to excellence. Luis has a very bright future as an official and I look forward to seeing his ascension through the officiating ranks.”

Luis has been a member of NISOA since 2015, having been appointed to the 2018 NCAA DIII Men’s Elite Eight match between University of Rochester vs. Messiah.

Currently, Luis is assigned matches in the following conferences; A-10, Big East, Ivy League, MAAC, and The Patriot League. He is registered as a “National Referee” under the current US Soccer Referee Grading System.

Luis is a graduate of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where he was a member of the Men’s soccer team. When not officiating, Luis continues his passion for the sport by mentoring and instructing at New Jersey Youth Soccer Association events. Luis is also a training staff member for Soccer Specific Training (SST), focusing on the development of technical and tactical skillsets for youth soccer players in the state of New Jersey.

Off the field, Luis is a Spanish Teacher at Washington Park High School in Newark, NJ.

Congratulations Luis!

Week 10-Jennifer Dunn

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Jennifer Dunn from Greater Iowa ISOA as the week 10 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Jen resides in Central City, Iowa. She was nominated by Greater Iowa Chapter President, Phil Watson for her outstanding performances on the field and devotion to representing the best interests of referees through her administrative work in Iowa. Jen’s season highlights include refereeing the instate rivalry between the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University and University of Nebraska Omaha v Grand Canyon of Arizona.

In Phil’s words; “Jen is a leader, setting an excellent example by breaking barriers for female referees.” Jen was the first female to referee the Iowa Boys High School State Final in all three divisions. She participates in the administration of the NISOA chapter and mentors all of us, but especially the female referees. She joined NISOA in 2006 and works games at the D1, D2, D3, NAIA and NJCAA levels. Currently, Jen is assigned matches in the following conferences: Big 10, Big 12, Missouri Valley, American Rivers, Iowa Community College, Heartland and Great Lakes. She is registered as a “Regional Referee” under the current US Soccer Referee Grading System.

Jen serves as the High School Liaison Officer for the Iowa Referee Committee and coordinates the training and communications for Iowa’s High School referees. After playing competitive soccer at club level for Heartland FC, Jen played basketball at St Ambrose College.

Off the field, Jen is an independent insurance agent, a farm wife with two adorable daughters and is Vice President of the Linn County Fair, where she is responsible for fundraising, coordinating 500 volunteers and event management.

Jen has shared the field officiating many times with Terry Vaughn and is especially deserving of this award.

Congratulations Jen!