Washington State 2025 Youth Referees of the Year

Lucas and Claire, congratulations on being selected the Washington State 2025 Youth Referees of the Year.  

Congratulations to Lucas Morrow, Washington’s 2025 Youth Male Referee of the Year! 🏆⚽️

Lucas has quickly become one of Washington’s standout young referees, earning respect for his professionalism, empathy, and composure on the pitch. Since first picking up the whistle in 2022, he’s officiated matches across all levels, from U9 Recreational to U19 ECNL and MLS Next, consistently bringing fairness, confidence, and integrity to every game. His coachability and ability to establish positive rapport were among the many qualities Lucas possesses according to those who support him.

 
Beyond soccer, Lucas serves as a Cadet Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and was named National Cadet of the Year, representing over 35,000 cadets nationwide and directly oversees 60 cadets in the Bothell area. He also serves as a Youth Councilmember for the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, where he champions service and inclusion.

Thank you, Lucas, for your exceptional leadership, professionalism, and the example you set for young referees throughout Washington. 💚

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Congratulations to Claire Heinen, Washington’s 2025 Youth Female Referee of the Year! 🏆⚽️

Claire has played soccer for 14 years and earned her referee badge at just 13. What began with nerves and uncertainty has become a journey of growth, resilience, and confidence. She brings professionalism and purpose to every match, guided by her belief that “referees are here to serve the game.” When needing someone to step up to a challenge, those closest to her state that Claire is always one of the first to raise her hand to stand up for those opportunities. When difficulties arise, she has the clarity, poise, and confidence to succeed no matter what. She views these life challenges as opportunities, not as obstacles, to ensure her growth mindset keeps her moving forward.

 
One of Claire’s favorite assignments is U9–U10 girls, where she teaches, encourages, and celebrates their love for soccer. Off the pitch, she leads in the classroom, in student life, and in the great outdoors. She is always striving to lift others up along the way.

Outside the boundary lines Claire had stepped up as the athletic representative at her school, impressing the administrative team with her MC abilities, organization, foresight, and drive to ensure the activities she is in charge of are well taken care of. When she is in charge, teams are formed, leadership is evident, and the event runs so smoothly thanks to her presence.

 
Thank you, Claire, for leading with integrity, passion, and grace, and for representing Washington Youth Soccer with excellence. 💚

Washington State 2024 Youth Referees of the Year

Mallory and Deniz, congratulations on being selected the Washington State 2024 Youth Referees of the Year.  

Washington Youth Soccer has selected Mallory Morris as this year’s Young Female Referee of the Year recipient.

Mallory is from Kent, WA and recently graduated from Kentlake High School. She is now in her first year at St. Martins University where she plays for their Women’s Soccer team and is pursuing a degree in Engineering.

She started refereeing at age 14 and developed a passion for officiating soccer. In the summer one can often find Mallory at one of the tournaments.

One of her Assignors says this: “Mallory is a referee as well as a great human that her peers strive to be like. She is always positive, professional and cheerful both on and off the field. Mallory quickly became one of my ‘go to’ referees!”

According to Mallory: “Being a player as well as a referee has allowed me to gain perspective an advantage on both sides of the game. I love the game. The first thing I do after a tournament is give my mom a rundown of the event and tell her stories about my friends.”

Please join us in congratulating Mallory on this prestigious honor. She will now be entered as the WYS nominee for US Youth Soccer Region IV Young Female Referee of the Year.

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Washington Youth Soccer has selected Deniz Muhittinoglu as this year’s Young Male Referee of the Year.

Deniz is from Kenmore, WA and played soccer at Inglemoor High School. In addition to soccer, he was active in the Kenmore Community Youth Council and served as their Treasurer.

Deniz comes from a soccer family. He started “reffing” with his Dad in 2016. He has officiated at several WA Youth Soccer State Cups and also helps mentor new referees within Northshore Youth Soccer Association.

One of his Assignors says this: “My favorite thing about Deniz is his humility. I am confident that whatever match I put him on, it will be handled with professionalism. Everyone loves being around Deniz. He always has a positive attitude and tries to do his best both on and off the field.”

Deniz is currently a Freshman at Carnegie Mellon University studying Engineering.

Please join us in congratulating Deniz on this prestigious honor. He will now be entered as the WYS nominee for US Youth Soccer Region IV Young Male Referee of the Year.

Washington State 2026 Adult Referee of the Year

Jonathan Simmons has been selected as the Washington State 2026 Adult Referee of the Year.  

Jonathan Simmons has been a referee since 2014 in Oregon and moved to Washington in 2017.  He has been an Instructor/Mentor/Coach since 2018.  He is also been an Assignor and used to be a Futsal referee.

Jonathan has been involved with many leagues in the adult game in Washington state:

• • Multiple Super Cups

  • All Nations Tournament

  • WISL Indoor Leagues

  • GSSL

  • Parks Departments (Auburn, Fed Way, Redmond)

  • CPL / EPLWA / RATS

  • UPSL / NPSL / WPSL

  • USL 2

  • US Open Cup

  • CONCACAF Friendly

• He has also been a Driver / Support Staff and Ref at Soccerfest in Bellingham

He has been involved in the soccer community in many other ways as well:

• • Part of the SYRA State Cup Planning Committee

  • HOD at Boise P-Cup / Mentor at Regionals

  • Volunteer / Field Marshal at Seattle Regionals

  • 2 years as Referee Coach

  • Currently Director of Mentoring for NW Soccer Officials (2024-)

  • Previously Director of Communications for NW Soccer Officials (2018-2024)

  • Regional Referee (2018-)

  • SRC Participant (starting this year)

  • RAP committee participant

  • Helped to produce the KOMO segment on the RAP policy

  • Also: One of my coaches for many years as a player for Westside Metros was Patrick Duffy, the SRA in Oregon, who taught me a deep respect for the game.

Washington State 2024 Adult Referee of the Year

JJ Snyder has been selected as the Washington State 2024 Adult Referee of the Year.  

JJ Snyder commenced his officiating career in 1987, where he oversaw matches across various levels, including youth, high school, college, and professional competitions. He officiated the Washington State High School Boys' championship match in both 2011 and 2013, served as an official at the GNAC Women’s Championships in 2017, and functioned as an assistant referee during the 2018 WAC tournament. Additionally, he has participated in numerous youth regional events alongside these championship competitions.

In recognition of his contributions to the WOA refereeing community, JJ was awarded the Washington Officials Association (Spring Soccer) Referee of the Year in 2015. He currently holds the position of assignor and Director of Officials for the Western Indoor Soccer League. As a board member of the Washington Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, he dedicates significant time to mentoring and developing referees to enhance the sport of soccer. 

Washington State 2024 Referee Achievement Award

Kelsey Harms has been selected for the Washington State 2024 Referee Achievement Award. 

Kelsey Harms has been a dedicated soccer referee since 2004, officiating matches from youth games to the professional level in the NWSL and USL Super League. A member of the National Referee pool since 2016, Kelsey is also a Division 1 college referee, a certified VAR official since 2023, and a respected referee coach. She has officiated at numerous top-level youth tournaments as both a referee and a mentor, and she plays a crucial role in the referee community as the assignor for the EPLWA.

In 2024, Kelsey was honored with the WSASA Referee Achievement Award for her contributions to the Washington state refereeing community. Her work as an assignor, referee coach, and national-level official has had a significant impact on the development of referees across all levels.

Passionate about mentorship, Kelsey is committed to guiding the next generation of referees, recognizing the support and guidance she received on her own journey. She hopes to continue officiating at a high level while helping young referees find their path in the sport.