ST. LOUIS – Slippery Rock University men's soccer alumnus Lucas Feathers was the recipient of the inaugural MAC/Hermann Golden Whistle Award, presented by the Missouri Athletic Club in conjunction with the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA).
The Golden Whistle Award honors the nation's top collegiate soccer referee and stands as the premier national recognition for excellence in U.S. college soccer officiating.
Feathers earned the prestigious award after distinguishing himself as one of the most respected and trusted officials in the collegiate game in 2025. Feathers consistently demonstrated elite-level professionalism, composure and preparation. He was selected to officiate several of the season's most high-profile and consequential matches—assignments reserved for referees whose judgment, consistency and leadership are beyond question.
"I am honored to be selected as the inaugural recipient of the MAC Hermann Golden Whistle Award," Feathers told the MAC. "Refereeing has been an equally cherished and humbling pursuit. Much like playing, officiating is imperfect – grounded in preparation, passion and a deep respect for the game. While I may be the inaugural recipient, this award reflects the many referees who came before me, whose poise, professionalism and consistency I have sought to emulate throughout my career."
Feathers was a member of The Rock's men's soccer team for three seasons (2006-08). Feathers played a total of 47 games, with 11 starts. Feathers totaled 16 points on six goals and four assists. In Feather's final season, Slippery Rock made an appearance into the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 1-0 win over No. 14 East Stroudsburg University before falling 1-0 to No. 7 Millersville University.
Feathers graduated from Slippery Rock with a bachelor's degree in business and marketing. In addition to his referring obligations, Feahters is a licensed financial advisor and certified retirement counselor with Mutual of Omaha Investor Servies Inc. Feathers' wife Nikki (Presto) was also a standout women's basketball player for Slippery Rock. The couple have two children, Leo and Marlowe.
"Lucas consistently demonstrated the professionalism, composure and dedication that define the highest standard of collegiate officiating," said Carmen Serbio, Supervisor of Officials for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), in a press release. "His performance has been exceptional not only in technical accuracy, but in his unwavering commitment to fairness, preparation and respect for the game. Lucas approaches every assignment with unmatched integrity and preparation. His calm, steady demeanor, and ability to balance authority with approachability elevate the quality and flow of the match and keep the focus where it belongs—on the student-athletes."
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