New York Native Refs World Cup Knockout Match

A New York native made history over the weekend as the first woman to officiate a knockout round match at the men’s FIFA World Cup.

Kathryn Nesbitt, a Rochester, NY, native, was selected as an assistant referee for the England/Senegal Round of 16 match. Nesbit is one of just six women to join the 100 male officials at the World Cup.

A recent story from BinghamtonHomepage.com detailed the events and reactions from local hometown referees.

Below is an excerpt from the BinghamtonHomepage.com story.

While most viewers cheered for the game, Nesbitt had her fans cheering her on right here in Rochester!

Referees from Western New York gathered in Downtown Rochester Sunday afternoon for a watch party. Nesbitt’s parents, Marci and Tom, said that the pride they feel watching their daughter on the world stage was difficult to put into words.

“Oh my gosh! I am so happy!” Marci said, standing next to her husband, Tom. “She’s worked so hard to be there and it’s wonderful, and she’s just wonderful. Go ahead Tom! Just so proud. So proud of her.”

Nesbitt is no stranger to reffing big games. Her track record includes the 2019 Women’s World Cup and men’s league championships in the United States.

“It’s a big deal for us, locally,” Steve Montanino, Referee Instructor, said. “We all want to support her and we’re all interested in how she gonna do and we’re here with her parents to support her and cheer her on.”

To read the full story from the BinghamtonHomepage.com about the local referee making it to the world’s stage, click here.