ATLANTA, Ga. (April 7, 2026) - During a November 22nd CCS men’s basketball contest between Piedmont and Sewanee, the game itself carried the usual intensity of conference play. But beyond the competition on the court, the night marked a historic moment for the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS).

An all-women officiating crew – Elizabeth Glass, Samantha Galloway, and LeShay Bernstein – took the floor, representing not only a milestone for the conference, but a broader reflection of the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.

Yet, for the crew, the moment didn’t begin with history—it began with something much simpler: a shared love for basketball.

For Elizabeth, that connection came from a desire many former players understand.

“I got into officiating the same way a lot of people do – I wanted to stay connected to the game I loved playing,” she said.

That feeling – of not being ready to walk away from the game – was echoed by Samantha, whose path into officiating was shaped by both family and identity.

“Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I carried that passion through college, and when that chapter ended, I still felt a strong pull to stay connected.”

Watching her father transition into officiating helped make that next step feel possible.

“I didn’t want my connection to the game to end,” she added. “Officiating became that path—an opportunity to stay involved, give back to the game, and be part of something bigger than myself.”

For LeShay, that connection to the game started even earlier—and ran just as deep.

“Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was three years old, playing competitively with ‘the boys’ and embracing the challenge,” she said.

That early love for the game carried through years of competition, fueled by ambition and a desire to improve. But like many athletes, her journey also included moments of uncertainty – navigating what comes next when playing opportunities aren’t always clear. “At the time, I didn’t fully understand all the opportunities out there,” she said. “But I knew I wanted to stay connected to the game.”

For each official, officiating became more than a way to stay involved – it became a new way to experience the game, one that brought both challenge and growth.

For Elizabeth, it was the unpredictability that kept her engaged.

“I fell in love with the beautiful imperfection of it,” she said. “No two games are ever the same, and the goal is constant improvement rather than perfection. There’s always something to learn.”

For Samantha, it became a way to give back. “It gave me the opportunity to stay connected and contribute to the game in a different way,” she said.

And for LeShay, it became a craft – one that demands commitment and purpose.

“This profession requires time, study, and dedication,” she said. “It’s about learning angles, perspectives, and constantly improving. What keeps me here is passion.”

That passion – shared across all three officials – was evident on the court that night. While the moment held historical significance, for the officials themselves, the focus remained on the game.

“As soon as I stepped on the court, it felt like just another game, and I was focused on the job at hand,” Elizabeth said, who served as the crew chief for the contest. “I felt the significance more afterward.”

For Samantha, the meaning extended beyond the game itself.

“It meant everything,” she said. “Being part of an all-women officiating crew wasn’t just about that moment – it was about what it represents. It’s proof that there is space for women in places where it hasn’t always seemed possible.”

And for LeShay, the moment carried both pride and reflection.

“A sincere moment of humility,” she said. “To be part of something etched in history – something no one can take away – holds a special place in my heart.”

Together, their perspectives reveal a common thread – one that may resonate with many who have stepped away from playing, questioned their next step, or wondered how to stay connected to something they love.

Officiating, for them, became that answer.

Not just a continuation of the game – but an opportunity to grow, to lead, and to create space for others.

“We weren’t just officiating a game,” Samantha said. “We were helping broaden perspectives and open doors for those coming behind us.”

And for Elizabeth, the hope is that this moment becomes part of a larger path forward.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a ‘first,’” she said. “And I hope it opens the door for more women to step into officiating on the men’s side.”

For LeShay, that vision is rooted in legacy.

“When the time comes for me to step away, I want to leave the game better than I found it – and make it easier for other women to follow.”

On this night, the crew brought professionalism, composure, and leadership to the court – just as they would any other game.

But the story of how they got there – and why they continue to show up – reveals something deeper.

A reminder that the game doesn’t end when playing does.

Sometimes, it simply takes on a new form.


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This feature is part of our series called Beyond the Game. This storytelling campaign is centered on highlighting the people, preparation, and professions that shape college athletics beyond the competition itself. This feature was distributed in celebration of Officials Appreciation Week.