Whistles blow, players argue, and parents shout from the sidelines--but as a soccer referee, I have learned to stay calm under pressure, deescalate conflicts, and ensure fairness. Beyond enforcing the rules of the game, I act as a role model for younger athletes, teaching them the importance of respect and sportsmanship. But bullying doesn't just happen on the field. As someone who has seen the emotional toll of online harrasment, I know that the battle against bullying extends far beyond the soccer pitch. In my community, I take my role seriously, both as a referee and as an advocate for others. On the field, I prevent bullying by mantaining a fair and respectful environment. I speak with the players before games, emphasizing the importance of respect for the opponents. I intervene when I seen taunting or unsportsmanlike behavior, ensuring that every player--regardless of skill level or background--feels safe. Off the field, I extend that same mentality to my everyday life, making sure my peers know they can confide in me if they face bullying, whether in person or online. Cyberbullying is an invisble threat that often goes unnoticed until real harm is done. Ive seen peers and myself suffer from online harasment, whether through cruel messages, social exclusion, or even pressure to engage in dangerous trends. I make it a priority to help my peers combat cyberbullying and how to disengage with it. Whether its reporting harmful content, supporting friends who are struggling, or simply promoting kindness online, I do my best to create a safer digital space for those around me. Since COVID-19 cyberbullying has only gotten worse with the likes of Discord, Tiktok, Reddit, etc. Encourgaing peers to limit their social media time and not judge them when the come forward seeking help due to cyberbullying. Many people view cyberbullying as something easy to stay away from, "Just turn the screen off" or "Just block them", and while these could be helpful it doesnt help them prevent it in the future. Cyberbullying can be so discreet that it flies under the radar for way too long and its time that changes. Financially, college is a challenge for me, I recieve no help from family and FASFA has awarded me only $5,500 toward a $40,000 annual cost at Virginia Commonwealth University. I plan to study social work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, helping individuals navigate mental health challeneges and difficult life situations. However, affording higher education is not easy. I currently work as a grassroots soccer referee to save money, but with tuition, books, and living expenses ahead, I know I will need finacial assistance. This scholarship would help ease a good portion of my finacial burden to attend college and allow me to focus on my studies and my goal of making a real difference in people's lives. Bullying--whether on the field, in school, or online--thrives in silence. That's why I refuse to be silent. Througb my actions as a referee, a friend, and a future social worker, I will continue to stand up for others, ensuring that every child and teen feels safe, valued, and heard.

A Whistle on the Field, A Voice in the Community I have spent years as a soccer referee, standing in the middle of the field, making quick, fair decisions, and ensuring that the game is played with integrity. At first, officiating was just a way to earn money, but over time, I realized it was shaping me into someone who could handle pressure, mediate conflict, and advocate for fairness. Whether calming down an angry coach or ensuring young players felt heard, I developed a deep appreciation for what it means to create a safe and fair environment for others. Through these experiences, I recognized my calling--helping those who feel unheard, especially youth who struggle with challenges beyond the game. I have faced my own struggles and have been in therapy for almost seven years. My therapist has shown me how one person can make a profound impact on another’s life. These experiences are why I am pursuing a degree in social work. In my community, I have seen firsthand how young people face struggles that extend far beyond the soccer field--mental health issues, unstable home environments, and a lack of guidance. Many do not have a mentor, coach, or advocate to guide them in the right direction. My goal as a social worker is to fill that gap, working with young people to help them find stability, purpose, and hope. Just as I have acted as a fair and impartial referee, I want to be a compassionate advocate for those in need, ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary to succeed. I want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and open my own practice to provide mental health support and advocacy for individuals in need, particularly young people and families facing challenges. Having been in therapy for the past seven years, I have experienced firsthand the profound impact that an LCSW can have on someone’s life. My therapist has guided me through personal growth, resilience, and self-understanding, which has inspired me to do the same for others. Through direct counseling and community-based work, I aim to help clients navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where people feel heard while equipping them with the tools they need to improve their well-being. Whether working in a clinical setting, schools, or community programs, I want to make a meaningful impact by empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives. Additionally, I plan to use my experience as a referee to implement sports-based mentorship programs. Soccer and other sports teach discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence, skills that can transform lives. By creating community programs that integrate sports with counseling and mentorship, I believe I can reach youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Pursuing social work is not just a career choice for me--it is a commitment to fairness, advocacy, and positive change, values I have carried with me from the soccer field to my future profession. With this scholarship, I will gain the financial support needed to pursue the education necessary to make a tangible impact in my community and ensure that those in need have someone who will fight for them.

From the Whistle to Wisdom The energy was electric as the two best U-15 girls’ teams in Virginia battled for the State Cup title. As a linesman, I stood on the sideline, locked into the game, mentored by elite soccer referees who watched my every movement. I knew that every offside call or out-of-bounds decision could impact the outcome. Late in the second half, a long ball split the defense, and a forward sprinted onto it. In a split second, I had to decide—was she offside? I kept my flag lowered and let play go on. Immediately, I felt the weight of the moment. Coaches protested, players groaned, but I stood by my decision. The forward did not score, and the game went into overtime. During the break, I consulted with the mentors who had been observing me, and they confirmed that my call was correct. That game solidified my confidence as an official, proving that composure and decisiveness are just as crucial as knowledge of the rules. I was praised for my outstanding movement during the game and for being the youngest referee on the line at a Virginia State Cup final—just 17 years old. Refereeing has shaped my character in ways I never anticipated. It has taught me leadership by putting me in charge of maintaining fairness on the field. I’ve learned to manage intense situations, communicate effectively, and make quick decisions with confidence. Whether standing alone in the middle of the pitch or on the line, enforcing rules among players, coaches, and even parents has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure. More importantly, officiating has reinforced my integrity—every game is an opportunity to be fair, impartial, and uphold the spirit of the sport. Looking ahead, I plan to continue refereeing throughout college and pursue higher-level officiating opportunities. At only 18, I have already achieved so much in refereeing—from working State Cups and lower-level tournaments to officiating U-8 local rec teams. Each experience has helped me grow. I aspire to work in competitive leagues like the Virginia State Cup and even national tournaments. Beyond that, refereeing has given me skills that will translate into my major, social work, particularly in leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution. It has become more than just a job; it’s a passion that continues to challenge and shape me. From my first nervous whistle to confidently managing high-stakes matches, refereeing has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, tested my integrity, and prepared me for future challenges. No matter where life takes me, I know that the lessons I’ve learned on the field will stay with me forever.