American Referee Brooke Mayo Makes History in FIFA World Cup Final
American referee Brooke Mayo has achieved a historic milestone in the world of soccer. Last month, Mayo became the first American referee to officiate a senior FIFA World Cup final. This groundbreaking achievement highlights Mayo’s dedication to her craft and the immense growth of women’s soccer.
Mayo’s journey in refereeing began at a young age in Texas, where she started officiating games to earn some extra money. Even during her college years at Tennessee Tech, she continued to referee matches alongside the same officials who would later oversee her own games. Mayo credits her professors and her experiences in college, including open mic nights at the university theatre, for shaping her skills as a teacher, coach, and assistant athletic director, all while balancing her officiating duties.
After completing graduate school at Middle Tennessee State University, Mayo began working as a teacher, soccer coach, and assistant athletic director at Stewart’s Creek High School in Smyrna. While excelling in her professional roles, Mayo steadily climbed up the ranks as a referee and was selected for the FIFA Panel in 2018, which comprises the top referees eligible to officiate prestigious international competitions.
Attending the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup in South Africa further fueled Mayo’s ambitions to reach the highest level of the sport. Her dream came true when she was chosen to referee the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Mayo officiated five matches in total, including a semifinal and the final between England and Spain. It was a significant milestone for American soccer, as it marked the first time U.S. Soccer referees led an officiating crew in a senior FIFA World Cup final.
Mayo also expressed her joy at witnessing the tremendous growth of women’s soccer over the past two decades. With sold-out stadiums and millions of viewers, the women’s game has gained significant popularity and has become an inspiring platform for young players, coaches, and referees.
Nevertheless, the increasing demand for referees in soccer has come with challenges, particularly in dealing with poor spectator behavior. Mayo emphasized the need for organizers and clubs to protect officials and hold unruly fans accountable to prevent the loss of talented young referees.
Having achieved her milestone in the World Cup, Mayo has set new goals for her career. She aims to officiate 100 Major League Soccer matches and referee at the Olympics. With her talent and determination, Mayo continues to pave the way for future generations of American referees.
Mayo’s historic achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies the progress and opportunities that women have gained in the world of soccer. Her success is a testimony to the growth of the women’s game and serves as an inspiration for young athletes and officials worldwide.
