FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2026

Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the sports in which it licenses officials. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but also local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.

One official in each sport is named Outstanding Official of the Year in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers and coaches throughout the state, as well as additional staff review.

The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2025-26 in the sport of Basketball is Myia Smith of Louisville. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.

With officiating numbers declining at the national level, the KHSAA is always accepting applications from individuals interested in giving back to their community. Officiating remains a great avenue to stay active, earn extra spending money and ensure that high school athletics are preserved for the current and future generations. To get involved as an official, visit khsaaofficials.org.

2025-26 KHSAA OUTSTANDING OFFICIALS (Winners in bold)

• Basketball: Myia Smith (Louisville), Brian Sandlin (Hebron), Kenneth Kegley (Vanceburg), Darrelle Russia (Independence)
• Football: Daniel Brummett (Walton), John Smoot (Lexington), David Pentecost (Greenville)
• Soccer: Jordan Houston (East Bernstadt), Paige Hurst (Morehead)
• Field Hockey: Lauren Bauer (Louisville), Matt Sallee (Louisville)
• Girls’ Volleyball: Amye Adams (Cox’s Creek), LuAnne Craig (Butler)

Myla Smith is an eighth region official, daughter of former UL player, and current 6/7th region official.

49 minutes ago, 4 Quarters said:

Myla Smith is an eighth region official, daughter of former UL player, and current 6/7th region official.

I hope she was not the female ref on the 8th Region crew that officiated the Trinity-St. X Region Tournament boys basketball game at Valley in March. That crew (and her) were in way, way over their heads. That game was fast and physical and the crew was awful. They clearly missed the most obvious goaltending call I have ever seen at a critical point in the game. Fans from both sides were talking about it after the game. 

9 minutes ago, TH58 said:

I hope she was not the female ref on the 8th Region crew that officiated the Trinity-St. X Region Tournament boys basketball game at Valley in March. That crew (and her) were in way, way over their heads. That game was fast and physical and the crew was awful. They clearly missed the most obvious goaltending call I have ever seen at a critical point in the game. Fans from both sides were talking about it after the game. 

Yes, I was at that game, it was her.  Without video, hard to determine what the call should have been.  Anyway someone must respect her work as she also done the sweet sixteen.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 8, 2026

Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the sports in which it licenses officials. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but also local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.

One official in each sport is named Outstanding Official of the Year in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers and coaches throughout the state, as well as additional staff review.

The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2025-26 in the sport of Wrestling is Kane Plaugher of Independence. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.

With officiating numbers declining at the national level, the KHSAA is always accepting applications from individuals interested in giving back to their community. Officiating remains a great avenue to stay active, earn extra spending money and ensure that high school athletics are preserved for the current and future generations. To get involved as an official, visit khsaaofficials.org.

2025-26 KHSAA OUTSTANDING OFFICIALS (Winners in bold)

• Wrestling: Kane Plaugher (Independence), Jory Whorton (Hodgenville)
• Swimming: Eric Bunnell (Louisville), Seth Boone (Louisville)
• Basketball: Myia Smith (Louisville), Brian Sandlin (Hebron), Kenneth Kegley (Vanceburg), Darrelle Russia (Independence)
• Football: Daniel Brummett (Walton), John Smoot (Lexington), David Pentecost (Greenville)
• Soccer: Jordan Houston (East Bernstadt), Paige Hurst (Morehead)
• Field Hockey: Lauren Bauer (Louisville), Matt Sallee (Louisville)
• Girls’ Volleyball: Amye Adams (Cox’s Creek), LuAnne Craig (Butler)