Taking a path working men's vs. women's ball

[Matt S.]

Replying to the OP, I made the decision 4 years ago to work the women's side, after thinking for years that I'd only want to climb the men's ladder. One of my mentors put it best--he said, 'Matt, don't take this the wrong way, but your personality is better for the women's game.'

What he meant was that many of the men's officials he encountered were very egotistical, cut-throat, and selfish...personality traits I don't have and don't want to deal with. In my experience, women's officials are much more about the crew as a whole.

I haven't regretted my decision and have met some wonderful people at the NCAA-W level.