Over the past year, Richard Sanchez of Lincoln Nebraska, and Danae Greig of Albany Oregon, have pursued advancement and development as soccer referees. They began their journey in Nebraska, starting with USSF certification and refereeing youth tournaments in the Lincoln and Omaha areas in the spring of 2023. With a rapid upward trajectory, they applied and were accepted to referee the Disney Labor Day Invitational at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida. They received direct mentorship from Robert Sibiga (MLS Referee), Brendan Barry (USSF National Referee Coach and PRO Referee Coach), Alejo Calume (USSF National Referee and PRO2 Referee), John Bauman (Florida State Youth Referee Administrator), and Brian Miller (USSF National Assignor, US Youth Soccer Asst. National Referee Administrator, and former USSF National Referee). This opportunity allowed for the duo to experience an intense reffing atmosphere in a short amount of time. From there, they moved to Oregon and have committed to completing a full high school season.
Aside from spending their time officiating and keeping their fitness up, their day job is substitute teaching in various school districts in Oregon. When they aren’t teaching or on the soccer pitch, they enjoy exploring new hiking spots, visiting with family, and finding new favorite restaurants.
Many referees support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by wearing pink jerseys. Drawing attention to breast cancer awareness, the month of October is especially important for Richard and his family. Much like many families across the world, breast cancer has made an impact on his life. It has been incredibly encouraging to see many officials wear pink in support of finding a cure for the disease. Some officials donate their October game fees to the Susan G. Komen organization as they "ref for the cure."
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