NISOA Celebrates Women’s History Month
Throughout NISOA’s history we’ve been lucky to have several amazing women who have helped shape the organization and the collegiate officiating landscape into what it is today. During the month of March we take time to recognize a few of these amazing women and their accomplishments. Each of these women has helped pave the way for the women who aspire to officiate at the highest levels of the beautiful game!
Check back each week during March to see which NISOA family member is our new feature!
Week of 3/1/2021
First up we are celebrating FIFA Women's World Cup Official and West Coast Conference Coordinator of Soccer Officials, Sandra Hunt! Legend Sandy Hunt served 18+ years on the field before retiring in 2004, representing the US at the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup as well as the 2000 Olympic Games. She has also been appointed to the NCAA National Championship at the Women's College Cup twice. Not only is she the West Region Assignor for NCAA Division I, II, and III, but she is also the Coordinator of Soccer Officiating for the Pac-12 and Big West Conferences!
Week of 3/15/2021
This week we are celebrating one of the first women to be in the middle of an MLS match, Nancy Lay! Nancy was a FIFA referee 1999-2000 as well as a NISOA National 1999-2002. She worked her first MLS middle on August 29, 1998 in Dallas, TX! After hanging up her whistle Nancy helped develop the Women’s Referee Academy for US Soccer that was held in conjunction with Veteran’s Cup. Thank you for paving the way Nancy!
Week of 3/8/2021
This week we are celebrating the first woman in NISOA’s Hall of Fame, Rachel Woo! Rachel represented the US at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup as well as the 2002 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup. She has also been appointed to the 18 NCAA Women’s College Cup Championships at the D1, D2, and D3 levels! Rachel is the Sun Belt and SEC assignor and also serves the game as an instructor and assessor. Thank you for paving the way Rachel!
Week of 3/22/2021
This week we are celebrating the most accomplished official in the international arena, Kari Seitz! Kari joined the NISOA family in 1989. She was appointed to the 2002 & 2004 NCAA Women’s College Cup D1 Championships! In addition, she was appointed to the D3 Championships in 1995&1996 and the NAIA Championships in 1994. Kari worked in a number of college conferences including the ACC, MCC, and Big Ten!
As a FIFA Referee Kari was appointed to 4 World Cups and 3 Olympics!! Kari currently serves as the FIFA Head of Refereeing, Women.
