2024 Terry Vaugh Referee of the Week Award Winner: Deny Kulasinac (GISOA)

On behalf of the selection committee, I am proud to announce Deny Kulasinac from Georgia ISOA as the Week 1 Winner of the 2024 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Deny resides in Marietta, GA; he was nominated by American Athletic Conference Coordinator of Soccer Officials, Chris Penso  based on his professionalism on & off the field and her performances on the field during this 3-week nomination period.

In Christopher’s words: “Deny was a last minute fill-in for the match between UAB vs. ETSU Women’s Soccer for his first assignment in the AAC. He was more than ready for the moment and performed very well, receiving rave reviews from the coaching staff’s and from the assigned Conference Referee Observer. His work rate was top notch and a shining example for other officials. This was a great performance to start the season from a referee with a fantastic attitude that Terry would have been proud of.”

During this nomination period, Deny was very active, having officiated 12 matches from across all levels of College Soccer (Div I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA) in both capacities as a Referee and Assistant Referee, highlighted by his first assignment in the American Athletic Conferenced referenced above.

Deny has been a member of NISOA since 2023. In his first year as a NISOA member, Deny refereed the conference championship match in the Southern Athletic Association, was the assistant referee on the Appalachian Athletic Conference Final, and was appointed as the 4th official in the NCAA Women’s Sweet 16 match involving #1 Florida State vs. Texas.

Deny is a USSF Regional Referee, having recently officiated in the 2024 National Premier Soccer League National Championship at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.

When not refereeing, Deny is a recent college graduate with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and plans to start a software engineering role in November.

What it means to be nominated and selected for this prestigious award in Deny’s words: “Being named Referee of the Week, especially in recognition of someone like Terry Vaughn, is truly an incredible honor.”

“Terry Vaughn’s legacy in refereeing is one I deeply admire, and to be associated with an award that carries his name makes this recognition even more meaningful. It acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and passion I bring to every game.”

"This honor reinforces my commitment to professionalism and excellence on and off the field. I’m grateful for this recognition, and it motivates me to keep improving and giving my best in every match.”

Congratulations Deny!

Lance VanHaitsma
NISOA Senior Director of Operations

Members can purchase blue HD awareness wristbands from Official Sports, CLICK HERE.

Those wishing to make a Donation in Terry’s name to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, CLICK HERE.