The NPSL Announces 2019 NPSL Referees of the Year

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce the 2019 NPSL Referees of
the Year. The honorees include Michael Cap (South Region), Nicole Green (Midwest Region),
Randall Kelley (Northeast Region), and Jamie Padilla (West Region).

“The NPSL understands that the referees are the third team on the pitch though often
unappreciated for their skills and talent,” NPSL Director of Officials Paul Scott said. “I am
pleased that we have this opportunity to honor these four individuals for the outstanding season
they have had in their respective regions. The quality of their work enabled them to stand out
from their peers which made their selection an easy decision. The league acknowledges that the
success the NPSL enjoys is due in no small part to the performance of the referees.”

Cap works full-time as a senior sales engineer. He began refereeing in 1998 when he was just 10
years old and has been working upper-level matches since 2005 including youth regionals,
national tournaments, U.S. Open Cup, Development Academy, PDL, NPSL, and USL. He is
also a National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) board member for his local
chapter as he enjoys mentoring and helping the next generation of officials reach their full
potential.

“I am honored to be selected as Referee of the Year for the South Region and it has been very
exciting to be part of the NPSL,” Cap said. “The NPSL has seen fast-growing support locally
with the introduction of the Tulsa Athletic who have been a dominant team in the region. Some
of my most exciting and unforgettable moments as a referee have been in NPSL matches. I
would like to thank all of my assignors, assessors, fellow officials, and mentors who have helped
with the development of my referee abilities throughout my career. I also would like to thank
my friends and family for their continued support and especially my wife Kelly for being my
biggest supporter while I continue my referee career and development.”

Green began refereeing as an intramural official in college. She has officiated numerous sports,
earning National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) All-American honors as a
flag football official. Her soccer refereeing highlights include the U.S. Open Cup, Nike
International Friendlies, Development Academy National Championships, ECNL National
Championships, US Youth Soccer National Championships, NCAA Division III Women’s
National Championships, and Big 10 Women’s Championships.

“Because of the support and guidance of mentors and peers, I have pushed my officiating goals
to heights that I would not have previously imagined or desired,” Green said. “Their advice and
encouragement have motivated me to be better for the game both on and off the field. NPSL
games, players, and coaches have been a significant influence on my officiating development
and it is an honor to receive this recognition.”

Kelley has been a referee since 1990 and a national referee since 2013. He worked his first
NPSL game in 2007 and was the referee for the NPSL national semifinal in 2015 and fourth
official for the NPSL national final in 2017. He was also the referee for the USYSA U19B final
in 2012 and the DA U16B final in 2014.

“I started refereeing in the NPSL in 2007, and over the years I’ve seen the league evolve
tremendously,” Kelley said. “The NPSL improves with each passing year and provides an
avenue for referees to challenge themselves week in and week out with top-tier soccer.  It’s an
honor to be selected as the Northeast Region Referee of the Year, and I look forward to many
more years refereeing in the league.”

Padilla currently works in marketing. She started refereeing in 2007 and is working towards
becoming a FIFA referee. Recent highlights include the Nike International Friendlies, UEFA
Development Tournament, and Development Academy Finals.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” Padilla said. “Every game in the NPSL brings a
new challenge, and working in this league has been a huge part of my development. I’d like to
thank my assignor for the opportunities, referee coaches for their invaluable feedback, and my
entire CalNorth referee family for their unwavering support.”