Alabama shines across multiple summer events
The Alabama Referee Program had a standout summer, earning national recognition across multiple events. Referees were invited to top-tier tournaments, and officials at every level delivered exceptional performances on some of the biggest stages in the country.
2025 USASA Adult Regionals
First during the summer, one of the standout highlights from this summer was Alabama’s strong representation at the 2025 USASA Adult Regionals (Region 3) in Greensboro, North Carolina, where referees Dorian Del Toro, Tarver Pyke, Celeste Roberts, Dean Morgan, and Ethan Wilson officiated under the mentorship of Referee Coach Tim Barron.
Held during the 101st edition of the National Amateur Cup, the tournament featured top amateur teams from leagues such as NISA Nation, USL League Two, and NPSL, all competing for a spot in the U.S. Open Cup. The intensity of play and the high-stakes atmosphere provided a challenging and rewarding environment for all match officials involved.
Alabama’s referees rose to the occasion, delivering poised and professional performances throughout the event. Their presence on such a prominent stage not only affirmed their individual capabilities but also showcased the strength of referee development within the Alabama Referee Program.
2025 Southern Presidents Cup
The 2025 Southern Presidents Cup, held in Plano, Texas, brought together some of the most competitive youth teams in the region—and Alabama’s referees answered the call in extraordinary fashion.
Led by Head of Delegation Tommy Russell, Referee Coach Wanda Porter, and Referee Mentor Cedric Thomas, our delegation represented Alabama with professionalism, heart, and unwavering commitment—even through grueling rain and intense match conditions.
| Alabama Delegation – 2025 Southern Presidents Cup | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Russell (Head of Delegation) | |||
| Dominic Aragon | Obed Asare | Jeffrey Edwards | Emily Hardin |
| Tim Holt | Derek Mummert | Sami Nizam | James Oswald |
| Julie Smith | Jacob Wilkinson | Wanda Porter (Coach) | Cedric Thomas (Mentor) |
Every single Alabama referee received a semi-final assignment, an impressive accomplishment that speaks volumes about the quality of preparation and the grit our officials brought to the tournament. Several went on to earn finals assignments, a true badge of honor at an elite regional event.
We’re especially proud to congratulate Obed Asare, who was selected for the national tournament to the 2025 National Presidents Cup in Kansas—an incredible achievement and a well-earned opportunity to shine on the national stage!
🏆 SEMI-FINAL ASSIGNMENTS
- Dominic Aragon – U17B · 4th
- Obed Asare – U16B · 4th
- Julie Smith – U17G · 4th
- Derek Mummert – U17B · AR2
- Tim Holt – U15B · 4th
- Jacob Wilkinson – U17G · AR2
- Sami Nizam – U13B · AR1
- Emily Hardin – U15G · AR2
- James Oswald – U15G · Referee
- Jeff Edwards – U14G · AR1
🏆 FINAL ASSIGNMENTS
- Dominic Aragon – U14G · Referee
- Obed Asare – U18B · AR1
- Julie Smith – U19G · AR1
- Tim Holt – U13B · Referee
- Emily Hardin – U19G · 4th
2025 USYS Southern Regionals
The USYS Southern Regionals 2025 brought together the top youth soccer talent from across the southern United States in Dallas, Texas—and once again, Alabama’s referees rose to the occasion.
| Alabama Delegation – 2025 USYS Southern Regionals | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kris Bailey (Head of Delegation) | |||
| Ethan Wilson | Hollis Real | Max Torres | Magdi Eltom |
| Dan Jasnowski | Sloan Miller | Robert Sullivan | Andrew Thigpen |
| Tre Harris | TJ Smith | Will Davis | Jace Bailey |
| Obed Asare | Jacob Wilkinson | Hunter Kilgore | Saeed Shiri |
| Michael Montgomery (Coach) | Tim Barron (Coach) | Dorian Del Toro (Mentor) | Frank Jones (Coach) |
Representing our state were 16 referees and 5 coaches/mentors, all of whom exemplified professionalism, resilience, and growth throughout the week-long championship tournament.
Alabama referees earned multiple semi-final assignments, including key roles in high-stakes matches:
🏆 SEMI-FINAL ASSIGNMENTS
- Obed Asare – U17G · 4th
- Robert Sullivan – U15B · AR1
- Will Davis – U14G · Referee
- Max Torres – U17G · Referee
- Dan Jasnowski – U17G · AR2
- Hollis Real – U14G · 4th
- Sloan Miller – U14B · Referee
These assignments highlight the trust placed in Alabama officials to manage the pressure of top-tier matches, and the results did not disappoint.
But the biggest celebration came when five Alabama representatives were awarded final assignments, a true mark of excellence:
🏆 FINAL ASSIGNMENTS
- Ethan Wilson – U16B · Referee
- Tre Harris – U19B · AR2
- Sloan Miller – U17G · AR1
- Magdi Eltom – U15B · AR1
- Dorian Del Toro – U17B · Coach
Adding to the accolades, we are thrilled to share that Ethan Wilson, Sloan Miller, Tre Harris, and Dorian Del Toro have all earned invitations to the 2025 USYS National Championships in Orlando—a tremendous accomplishment that recognizes their elite performance and potential at the national level.
And in a moment of special recognition, Michael Montgomery, Alabama’s State Referee Administrator (SRA), was honored with the Ryan Cigich Top Administrator Award. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in supporting and uplifting their referee programs. Michael’s leadership and dedication continue to set the gold standard for referee development in Alabama.
The Alabama Referee Program is incredibly proud of our referees, mentors, coaches, and leaders who represented us with excellence this summer. From Plano to Greensboro to Dallas, Alabama’s presence was felt on every pitch and at every level.
Across three major events—the 2025 USASA Adult Regionals, Southern Presidents Cup, and USYS Southern Regionals—our officials rose to the occasion, earning top assignments, overcoming tough conditions, and securing national recognition.
These accomplishments reflect the skill, integrity, and dedication of our referees and the unwavering support of our leadership. Thank you to everyone who helped showcase the strength of Alabama’s referee community on the regional stage — next stop: Nationals.
