The legal team at BenGlassLaw has awarded the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship to Sydney Lojek, an incoming student at Northwestern University. Lojek will receive $2,500 in financial support as she begins her collegiate journey. The scholarship, established by Ben Glass, a personal injury lawyer and longtime soccer referee, recognizes students who have leveraged their referee experience in professional and community settings.
Lojek's involvement in soccer began as a response to a local referee shortage. By stepping up to fill that need, she developed mentorship and leadership skills that have had a significant impact on her community. Her dedication and service impressed the BenGlassLaw team, which values the role of community commitment in shaping young professionals. According to the firm, Lojek's story exemplifies how officiating can foster responsibility and leadership.
Lojek, who plans to continue refereeing during her college years, has already researched youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, where Northwestern is located. She looks forward to helping a new generation of athletes gain confidence on the field. As an undecided major, she is interested in economics, legal studies, and the pre-medical track, balancing her academic pursuits with ongoing community service.
"Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college," Lojek said. Her passion for the sport and her commitment to service are central to her identity, and she intends to remain actively involved in soccer while supporting other young athletes.
Ben Glass, the namesake of the scholarship, has spent over 51 years refereeing youth and high school soccer, officiating about 50 games annually. He credits the sport with shaping his views on leadership and pressure management. Glass mentors young referees and authored YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee to provide practical advice. This scholarship is an extension of his dedication to supporting the next generation of referees.
BenGlassLaw, a Northern Virginia law firm, specializes in personal injury, auto accident, and long-term disability claims. The firm is known for helping clients stand up to powerful insurance companies. While this scholarship highlights the firm's community involvement, its primary mission remains securing fair compensation for those navigating complex legal processes.
The BenGlassLaw team extends its best wishes to Lojek as she starts her collegiate career, confident that she will continue to be an asset to the communities she serves. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also underscores the importance of leadership and community service in professional development.
