Interviews – Professional Referee Organization

Featured Interviews

Katy Nesbitt: “The reaction has been bigger than anything I have experienced before”

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 PRO media Katy Nesbitt, MLS is Back

Katy Nesbitt reflects on making history as the first female to officiate an MLS title game.

Featured Interviews

Katja Koroleva reflects on the NWSL Challenge Cup Final and her continued efforts on the frontline

August 21, 2020August 23, 2020 PRO media COVD-19, Katja Koroleva, NWSL Challenge Cup

Working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic has put everything into perspective for NWSL Challenge Cup Final referee Katja Koroleva, who believes the Utah-based tournament was a beacon of light in testing times.

Featured Interviews

Fotis Bazakos leads PRO officials in making Sam’s day

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020 PRO media Fotis Bazakos, Matt Fricke, PRO, Sam Cottington

Sam Cottington was at his high school graduation – a ceremony that, amidst coronavirus, saw families stay in their parked cars with the event itself broadcast over the PA system.

Interviews

Q&A: Howard Webb: “We need to do things when the time is right”

May 28, 2020July 26, 2020 PRO media Howard Webb, MLS, NWSL, USL

While PRO has been adapting to the challenges of today, the organization has been busy preparing for what the near

Interviews

Adjusting to the transforming lockdown landscape

May 26, 2020July 26, 2020 PRO media Howard Webb, MLS, USL

Life just a few months ago when the 25th season of MLS kicked off seems a world away from where we find ourselves today. Everybody on the planet has adapted to cope with unprecedented changes, whilst remaining optimistic that a sense of normality will be restored in the future.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Benny Feilhaber (6) battles for the ball with Portland Timbers midfielder David Guzman (20) as midfielder Diego Chara (21) defends in the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Featured Interviews

PRO Q&A: Favorite games

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 PRO media Alan Kelly, Corey Rockwell, Drew Fischer, Katy Nesbitt, Mark Geiger, Ted Unkel

Drew Fischer, Ted Unkel, Katy Nesbitt, Corey Rockwell, Alan Kelly, and Mark Geiger reflect on the favorite game they have officiated.

Tori Penso. Photo: Jane Gershovich Photography/ISI Photos

Interviews

Tori Penso: “Be the role you aspire to be”

May 18, 2020July 26, 2020 PRO media Chris Penso, NISOA, PRO2, Tori Penso

When the time came to start earning some money as a teenager, Tori Penso weighed up opportunities at the mall – where a lot of her friends were working – or down at the soccer field, where she spent most of her time.

Referee Ted Unkel calls the end of the game.

Interviews

PRO Q&A: Reaching the top

May 16, 2020May 26, 2020 PRO media Alan Kelly, Corey Rockwell, Drew Fischer, Katy Nesbitt, Mark Geiger, Ted Unkel

In a PRO first, a group of current and former FIFA and MLS officials took part in a live Q&A on YouTube in April, answering your questions about all things refereeing from the comfort of their own homes.

Adam Wienckowski with PRO colleague Mark Geiger after the 2011 Concacaf U-20 Final in Guatemala City.

Interviews

Adam Wienckowski reflects on 13 years on FIFA Panel

May 12, 2020July 26, 2020 PRO media Adam Wienckowski, FIFA panel

Life in lockdown has presented many people across the world with the opportunity to take stock and indulge in a period of reflection. A sometimes all too rare luxury in the hustle of everyday life, as we used to know it.