The legal team at BenGlassLaw has announced that Sydney Lojek is the recipient of the 2026 BenGlassLaw Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship. Lojek will receive $2,500 in financial support as she prepares to attend Northwestern University. This scholarship is designed to honor students with referee experience who have used that experience in innovative ways within professional environments.
Lojek's journey to this recognition began when she stepped up to help address a local soccer referee shortage. Seizing the opportunity, she developed mentorship and leadership skills that have since made a significant impact on her community. Her dedication and service not only alleviated a pressing need but also demonstrated how officiating can cultivate qualities essential for professional success.
According to BenGlassLaw, Lojek is an exceptional young referee whose story of determination and community service resonated deeply with the firm. The scholarship underscores the firm's belief that commitment to one's community and to young athletes can profoundly shape a young person's professional trajectory. Lojek's plans to continue officiating during her college career further exemplify this commitment. She has already researched youth soccer leagues in Evanston, Illinois, and is eager to support a new generation of athletes in finding their confidence on the field.
As an incoming college student, Lojek intends to balance continued community service with her academic pursuits. While she has not yet declared a major, she is exploring interests in economics, legal studies, and Northwestern's pre-medical track. Her conversations reveal a community-centered young woman who aims to stay involved in soccer while serving other up-and-coming athletes. “Refereeing has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot imagine simply stopping when I go to college,” Lojek said.
The personal injury and disability lawyers at BenGlassLaw extend their best wishes to Lojek as she begins her collegiate career. They are confident she will continue to be an asset to the communities she serves.
Ben Glass, the founder of BenGlassLaw, brings a unique perspective to this scholarship. With over 51 years of experience refereeing youth and high school soccer, he officiates around 50 games annually. His decades on the field have shaped his views on leadership, responsibility, and handling pressure. Passionate about mentoring young referees, Glass authored YOU, A Teenage Soccer Referee to share practical advice. This scholarship represents another avenue for him to support the next generation of officials.
BenGlassLaw, a Northern Virginia-based law firm, is dedicated to helping individuals stand up to powerful insurance companies. With decades of experience in personal injury, auto accident, and long-term disability claims, the firm's team fights to secure fair compensation and guide clients through complex legal processes. The lawyers at BenGlassLaw are committed to protecting clients' rights and helping them move forward with confidence.
