Kermit Quisenberry, 1993 and 1995 Murray State University alumnus, has been selected to officiate men’s soccer at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Quisenberry is one of six FIFA ( International Federation of Association Football) soccer referees from the United States officiating in the 2008 Olympic Games.

A Louisville, Ky. native, he received his bachelor’s degree in health education and master’s degree in outdoor recreation. His parents, Gordon and Estelle, are long time soccer administrators in the Louisville area, and his brother Mark is also a soccer official.

"I am extremely excited and honored to be representing the United States of America as well as other soccer officials of the world," says Quisenberry.

Quisenberry got his start playing soccer for Sawyer Youth Soccer in Louisville. In 1984 Sawyer became a part of Kentucky Youth Soccer. At age 16 his potential was recognized when he attended a USSF (United States Soccer Federation) clinic taught by John David McGee and 1969 and 1972 Murray State alumnus Brian Darling, both USSF National Referees. McGee and Darling worked with Quisenberry and gave him the opportunity to officiate many top level youth and adult tournaments. Darling was recently inducted into the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) Hall of Fame.

Quisenberry continued his playing career at Louisville Male High School . At MSU, he worked as a student athletic trainer, a graduate assistant athletic trainer and refereed high school and youth games in the Murray area. In 2003, he spent a week officiating in Portugal before he was a FIFA referee. A certified athletic trainer, he also teaches health and personal fitness classes at Taylor Middle High School in Pierson, Fla.

Ross Meloan, Director of MSU Career Services and USSF and NCAA soccer referee, is a long-time friend of Quisenberry and his family. “Kermit always spoke about his desire to become one of the best soccer officials in the U.S.,” said Meloan. “He worked tirelessly at honing his skills through physical training and classes to develop a national reputation as a young ‘up-and-coming’ referee. Kermit has also been on television many times as an assistant referee in Major League Soccer competitions.  It’s been a real pleasure knowing him for all these years and watching him attain his dream job.  The opportunity to represent your country as an Olympic official is an honor few can discuss.  Kermit will do a fantastic job not only as a representative of the United States but also Kentucky and his alma mater Murray State University, which he refers to often.”

The Olympic soccer tournaments in Beijing will be played from August 6-23.