All women's officiating crew will work Sunday's championship game

For the first time in the short history of Major Arena Soccer League Women, the league's championship game will be worked with an all female officiating crew.

Karissa Walter's will serve as the Crew Chief while Kerry Martenis will serve as the game referee. Carlie Castiglione will serve as the alternate referee and Allison Prim will serve as the fourth official.  All four are also working additional playoff games in different capacities over the three days of the event. 

"Its a great honor to be selected for such a game, and these ladies have worked hard at many levels of the game, both as players and officials, to get to this point," MASL W Commissioner Chris Economides noted." Like the two teams that will play for a title, these four officials have earned their way to the finals. It's only appropriate that the league put the best on the floor both for players and officials."

Following is additional information on each of the four officials. 

KARISSA WALTERS / crew chief

Karissa Walter's arrival and ascension as a referee has not gone unnoticed.

From being invited to Nationals in futsal her first year of certification to her meteoric rise in outdoor, Karissa's passion for soccer is personified. She played collegiate soccer at Concordia University Chicago before continuing her career internationally at the University of Essex in England. Her experience as a player gives her a strong understanding of the flow of the game and helps her connect well with players on the field. 

Walters said she enjoys officiating arena soccer because of its fast pace, quick transitions, and high level of intensity. The unique environment of the arena game challenges referees to stay sharp, communicate clearly, and make quick decisions. Karissa is a middle school math and science teacher who is passionate about helping students learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys competing in triathlons, playing pickleball and soccer, and traveling.

KERRY MARTENIS / REFEREE

Kerry Martenis has been a referee in 2005, and has been fortunate to be invited to regional, national showcases and events.

For several years, she has been officiating adult leagues that include USL-W, UWS, and various other pre-professional leagues. Her five years of experience in arena has been exciting and enjoyable, especially the MASL-W.  

. Outside of being a referee, Kerry is still an active player as well, on coed and women's teams. When not playing and/or refereeing soccer she spends her time working at BASF, an international chemical company, as a research technician. She also enjoys traveling, woodworking and building furniture.

CARLIE castiglione / alternate referee

Carlie Castiglione started referring when she was 13 years old because it was a way to get further involved in the game.

She played club soccer, then went on to play at the NCAA DI level at the University of Detroit Mercy. During this time, Carlie became more involved in higher level leagues and tournaments such as State Cup, USLW, USL2, NCAA, and MWPL. 

She started in the arena because she enjoys the fast pace and the showcase of skill in this setting. Outside of soccer, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and will be graduating with a pharmacy degree this spring from the University of Michigan.

ALLISON PRIMM / FOURTH OFFICIAL

Allison Prim has been a soccer referee for 13 years.  Starting with club at the age of 12, she now has been able to officiate for MLS Next, MWPL, USLW, and Academy across the state of Michigan.

Allison decided to take the opportunity with arena soccer as a way to try something new with her soccer career and hopefully grow as an official and also meet other soccer officials  When she is not showcasing her skill as a soccer official, she works full time as a paraprofessional working with high schoolers.