By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A former Golden Eagle that appeared prominently on the pitch in Cookeville for four seasons, Brooke Mayo now sees the sport of soccer from a different perspective and is making a name for herself along the way.

One of the first women to referee men's Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, Mayo continues to climb the ranks as an official, serving as a referee on some of soccer's most significant stages. Having already officiated a series of MLS matches as well as an assignment to a USL Championship match at the start of May, Mayo's referee career path powered to the next level back in mid-May when the former Golden Eagle was awarded the opportunity to ref the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) Challenge Cup Final.

Part of an all-female crew that included Natalie Simon, Deleana Quan, Karen Callado and Rachel Smith, Mayo helped preside over the proceedings in a championship that went to penalty kicks between the Portland Thorns and the NJ/NY Gotham. Deadlocked at 1-1 through extra time, Portland ended up seizing the final with a 6-5 edge in PK's.

Mayo suited up for the purple and gold from 2007-10 and currently ranks in a tie for fourth in program history in career matches played with 77 contests under her belt. The Garland, Texas product collected four goals, two assists and 10 points throughout her Tech tenure and was part of the 2009 TTU squad that advanced to the OVC Championship match for one of only three total title appearances in program history.

With her sights set on officiating at the Women's World Cup in 2023, read more about Mayo's referee journey and her feelings on officiating the NWSL Challenge Cup Final here.