Cal South and Valvoline Instant Oil Change are proud to acknowledge this month’s Difference Maker of the Month award winner. This award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond to provide a great experience for members, teams, and the broader soccer community.

This month’s award winner is Ana Sofia Valdez.

“Soccer means so much to me because of everything it has given me throughout my life. I am incredibly grateful to the coaches, teammates, referee mentors, and peers who have supported and guided me—creating lasting memories and lessons that have shaped me both on and off the field. Receiving this Difference Maker award is truly meaningful, because it reflects my commitment to giving back what was so generously given to me, while continuing to grow and share my love for the game.”

— Ana Sofia Valdez

Ana is a 6th-year Regional Referee and a 12-year USSF referee who also holds USSF Mentor Plus and Assignor certifications. Her love for the game began at age 7, growing up on the soccer fields and inspired by her father’s passion for the sport.

She began refereeing in 2014 at just 15 years old in San Diego County while continuing to play competitively within the Cal South system. While officiating in the Inland Empire during college, Ana quickly earned recognition across the referee community — including a 2017 Best New Referee nomination, 2019 Referee of the Year honors from the Temecula Valley Soccer Referee Association, and the 2021 Gwen Keck Female Referee of the Year award from Cal South.

Ana’s officiating journey has included top youth competitions with US Youth Soccer, earning final assignments at Regionals and National Championships — including serving as center referee for the U19 Girls Final in 2022.

Now officiating at the professional and NCAA Division I levels, Ana remains deeply committed to developing the referee community. In 2024, she became a referee mentor and currently serves as an administrator for the Female Development Initiative, helping recruit, develop, and empower female referees across all levels of the game.

The Initiative supports referees ranging from beginners to advanced officials, with participants spanning ages 13 to 55+.

Ana continues to inspire the next generation while pursuing her National Badge for 2027. In July 2025, she stepped up to lead the Female Referee Camp in Ojai when both the program director and lead instructor were unexpectedly unable to attend — successfully managing the camp and ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

Congratulations Ana for going above and beyond to support and grow the referee community.

Cal South Member Benefit

Winners receive a special offer from Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and all Cal South members also receive a discount for $10 off an oil change.

Get to the pitch with confidence.

Scan the QR code or download the image below to redeem your Cal South member benefit in store.