Former Roadrunner MaryKate Covely is now a high level soccer official as well as a teacher. Covely participated in the Roadrunner Women's Soccer program and also played softball during her time as a Roadrunner and helped the team win their first NJCAA National Championship in 2011. She was recently named to the All-Decade Team for Women's Soccer 2010-2019. She is currently teacher 3rd grade special education and resides in Pitman, NJ.
We thank MK for her work and for taking a few minutes to answer some of our questions.
Roadrunner Athletics encourages current and former student-athletes to get involved in officiating. If you are interested, you can get started here: https://www.sayyestoofficiating.com/become-a-sports-official/
Q: What sport(s) and level do you officiate?
I officiate soccer at all levels; from collegiate to youth.
Q: Why did you become an official?
Honestly, I became an official when I was 13 years old to have a job. It was a great way for me to continue my passion for soccer while also working for money. However, officiating has now become a hobby that I truly enjoy.
Q; What do you enjoy about officiating?
What I enjoy most about officiating is how every game is a new challenge/experience. I also enjoy the community/friendships I have developed throughout the years.
Q: Favorite memory as a Roadrunner?
Favorite memory as a Roadrunner was having the ability to play both soccer and softball. In both seasons, I was able to develop friendships and make many memories that would last me a lifetime. Such as the countless road trips to away games to winning the National Championship in Softball. Each sport allowed me to grow with my team and as an individual.
Additionally, I think it is pretty awesome to come back and officiate where I used to play! It has allowed me to see how much the soccer program has grown and to see its bright future ahead.
Q: Someone from the college who had an impact on you and why?
There were a lot of people who had an impact on me during my two years at the college...all my coaches; Coach Megan, Coach Julie Chini, Coach Steve DePasquale, and Coach Mark Enders. Their wisdom and experience about the sports they coach made me a better player. Yet, the one person who helped me get back and stay on the field every time was Ellise Spaulding. Ellise is a great athletic trainer who helped me through my two injuries while at the college. The dedication that she has towards her job and athletes is incredible. While recovering she worked closely with me to support my passion to get back onto the field which I am forever grateful for.
Q: Advice for a student who wants to become an official?
I think the best advice I can offer a future official is to be confident and to understand that you will not make everyone happy. Everyone has a different perception of how the game should be called, such as giving advantage or calling the foul, and that is from their style of play and experience with the sport. As the official, it is your job to enforce the laws of the game even when you have to make the tough call. I also hold every game to the same standards whether it is a youth game, high school state final, or the NJCAA Finals.