SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League has hired Chris Penso as its Coordinator of Men’s and Women’s Soccer Officials, Commissioner Josh Fenton announced Wednesday. Penso brings an impressive variety of officiating experiences to his new role, including entering his 17^th season as an active Major League Soccer Referee.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this important position,” Fenton said. “His passion for the sport of soccer is evident by all of his accomplishments and our men’s and women’s programs will benefit from that as he transitions to this new role.”

Penso, who has served in a similar capacity for the American Athletic Conference since 2020, has worked six NCAA Division I College Cups and served as the referee for the 2015 and 2018 Men’s National Championship games. He also served as a FIFA Video Match Official during the 2020 Olympic Games played in Tokyo in 2021.

“The Summit League is a growing force in the collegiate soccer landscape, which presents great opportunities for our officials,” Penso said. “Through a proven system focused on education, recruiting and talent identification, I look forward to maximizing these opportunities for not only our officials, but also our student-athletes, coaches and administrators. I appreciate the trust shown by Commissioner Fenton and The Summit League and look forward to the road ahead.”

In his new role, Penso will oversee the recruiting and assigning of officials for all Summit League men’s and women’s soccer-hosted matches. A graduate of Kent State University, Penso currently resides in St. Petersburg, Fla., with his wife Tori, who refereed the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final in Australia, and their three daughters.

#SummitMSOC | #SummitWSOC