As a FIFA badge holder, Simon has the flexibility to referee international games and tournaments.

"It's kind of a miracle that I've arrived in this moment. A lot of things have to fall into place. And a little bit of luck, you know, knowing the sacrifices that not only my parents, but my grandparents and my great grandparents, made for me to have the opportunities that I do. For me, everything is intertwined as far as what my family's gone through, what I'm experiencing now, and what I'm trying to do for future generations," she remarked, according to Because of Them We Can.

The 32-year-old said she understands her position has allowed her to continue to break the glass ceiling in a sport dominated by white men, and that she would like to serve as an inspiration for the women coming up behind her.

"I spent most of my career questioning if I was good enough. I think a lot of Black people, especially Black women, can relate to that. … I carry that with me on the field. I carry the weight of that. Knowing that the decisions I make can impact what happens in the future for other Black women that are coming up behind me," she said.

Acquiring the position of a referee is an arduous task; candidates have to pass a written knowledge exam, undergo a physical test that includes several 10-meter sprints and pass an endurance run that spans 75 meters.

Rodney Kenney, a referee instructor and former assistant coach for Simon, said he expected her to succeed at becoming a soccer official.

"First of all, she's super fast. A lot of female referees had trouble in the men's game because they're not fast enough to keep up. She was fast enough. Secondly, she has an attitude. That is, I'm not going to take s— from anybody. She wouldn't be cowered by critic[ism]. I just thought she'd do a great job. … She never does anything halfway," Kenney said, according to Because of Them We Can.

Simon eventually wants the position of center referee, which would give her complete control over both men's games and international soccer competitions for women.

u.s women's soccer

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