GNAC SPORTS - Officiating is as integral to collegiate athletics as the student-athletes who compete and coaches who mentor.

Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference extends a sincere thank you to its officials across all sports, recognizing them throughout the NCAA's Officials Appreciation Weeks.

Name: Alexis Magston
Sport Officiating: Soccer
Current Levels of Officiating: Professional, College, High School, Youth
Years Officiating: 13

What first inspired you to become an official?
I became an official because I wanted a different way to be involved in a sport I already enjoyed. Refereeing gave me an opportunity to see the game from a new perspective, challenge myself, and contribute to creating a positive experience for players.

Who helped mentor or support you as you were learning to officiate?
Other referees and mentors were an important part of my development, especially those who were willing to provide honest feedback and talk through situations after a match. Having people I could learn from helped build my confidence and made me want to provide that same support to newer and younger referees.

What barriers or challenges did you face when you started officiating, and what helped you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was building confidence in my decisions while learning how to manage players, coaches, and the pace of a match at the same time. Experience helped, but constructive feedback from other officials was just as important. Learning that every match will not be perfect, and that the goal is to reflect, learn, and improve, helped me become a more confident official.

What do you enjoy most about officiating?
I enjoy the challenge that comes with every match. No two games are the same, and I like having to read the game, make decisions in the moment, and manage different situations as they develop. I also really enjoy the referee community and the opportunity to mentor younger officials, help build their confidence, and watch them grow.

How has officiating helped you stay connected to the sport?
Soccer has been a huge part of my life, and officiating has given me a way to stay actively involved in the game. There’s something special about being right in the middle of the action. It has also given me a new perspective and appreciation for the game, while allowing me to give back to the sport and help develop the next generation of referees.

What is one myth or misconception about officiating that you would like to dispel?
One misconception is that officiating is simply about knowing the rules and making calls. There is so much more to it. You have to understand the game, communicate effectively, manage people and emotions, and make decisions in real time. The best officials are constantly learning and working to improve.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming an official?
Give it a try and give yourself time to learn. You are not going to get every decision right, especially when you are starting out, and that is okay. Ask questions, seek feedback from experienced officials, and treat every match as an opportunity to get better. Confidence comes with experience.

What support, training or encouragement would help more people—especially younger individuals—enter and stay in officiating?
Mentorship is one of the biggest things we can provide. New officials need someone they can ask questions, learn from, and talk to after a difficult match. Training is important, but having experienced officials provide encouragement and constructive feedback can make a huge difference in building confidence and helping younger referees feel like they are part of a community.

How can coaches, administrators, student-athletes and spectators help create a more respectful game environment for officials?
It starts with remembering that officials are people and that everyone involved in the game has a role in setting the tone. Disagreeing with a decision is part of sports, but it can be done respectfully. Coaches and administrators in particular have an opportunity to model the behavior they expect from players and spectators and help create an environment where officials, especially young and developing officials, feel supported.

What would you say to someone who loves sports but has never considered officiating as a way to give back, stay active, earn income and remain part of the game?
I would tell them that officiating gives you an entirely different way to experience a sport you already love. You stay active, challenge yourself, meet great people, and earn some extra income, but for me the most rewarding part is being able to give back to the game. You remain part of the sport while also helping create the experience that allows the next generation of players and officials to enjoy it.

What is your favorite sports-related memory or moment?
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT)