A Historic Weekend at the Rehoboth Girls Basketball Tournament: Celebrating Women in Officiating
This past weekend, the Rehoboth Girls Basketball Tournament achieved a historic milestone, celebrating women in officiating while providing inspiration for future generations. Eleven of the twelve games in the tournament were officiated by all-female crews from Gallup and Farmington thanks to the vision of Rehoboth’s Athletic Director, Adrian Pete. Pete collaborated with the Northwest Varsity Basketball Coordinator Walter Dorman who assigns officials to Varsity basketball games in Northwest New Mexico, to turn Adrian’s idea into reality, showcasing women’s skill, professionalism, and leadership in a field often dominated by men.
“This was about creating opportunities and showing young women that they belong in every aspect of the game, including officiating,” Pete said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished this weekend.”
A Historic First: Father-Daughter Officiating Team
The twelfth game featured a groundbreaking moment in New Mexico basketball history—a father and his two daughters officiating together. Virgil Loretto, along with his daughters Lindsey and Robbie Loretto, became the first father-daughter trio to officiate a high school basketball game in the state. While father-son and father-two-son officiating teams have occurred before, this was an unprecedented moment for a father-daughter crew.
Robbie Loretto reflected on the significance of the experience. “It was an honor to officiate alongside my dad and sister,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from my dad over the years, and to share this moment together was unforgettable. I hope it inspires more young women to step into officiating.”
Virgil shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the uniqueness of the moment. “I’ve officiated with my daughters separately, but to be out there with both of them in a game setting—it’s something special. It’s about family, love for the game, and paving the way for others.”
Empowering Women Officials
The tournament featured a diverse group of female officials with varying levels of experience, ranging from seasoned officilas like Jacque Begay, who has officiated multiple New Mexico State Tournaments, to rising talents like Robbie Loretto, Kaleia Vinceti, Rochelle Curry, and others. Officials also included Natalia Pete, Amanda Segotta, Monica Leaming, Natasha Dishface, Sarah Mortensen, Theresa Warner, and Beverly Begay. Each brought their unique skills and perspectives to the court.
Monica Leaming, reflecting on her experience, said, “I want to thank you for the opportunity to be involved in such a historical moment in women’s basketball at the Rehoboth Girls Varsity Tournament. By my fifth game, I literally felt myself downshift and fully embrace some of the things people were trying to help me with. I had such a great time.”
For many of these officials, the tournament was not just about officiating games but about growth and camaraderie. Fans and coaches took notice of the professionalism and confidence these women brought to the court, and many expressed their admiration.
“It was inspiring to see an all-female officiating crew,” one coach said. “The players, especially the younger girls, saw something important this weekend—they saw leadership, poise, and possibility.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Throughout the tournament, young players and fans were visibly inspired by the presence of female officials. Many approached the officials after the games, asking questions about how they got started and expressing interest in following in their footsteps.
“This tournament wasn’t just about officiating,” Robbie Loretto said. “It was about showing young girls that they can be leaders in this game. I hope this weekend gave them the confidence to pursue their dreams, whether it’s officiating or something else.”
Gratitude and Progress
Adrian Pete extended his gratitude to all the officials who participated, noting the importance of such opportunities for development and representation. “This tournament was more than just games; it was a platform for growth, inspiration, and change. I’m grateful to everyone who made it happen.”
The Rehoboth Girls Basketball Tournament will be remembered not only for the competition on the court but for the strides made in representation and inclusion. Thanks to the dedication of leaders like Pete and the officials who participated, the event left a lasting impact on all who attended.
As Robbie Loretto summed it up, “This was a weekend of firsts, a weekend of growth, and a weekend of inspiration. I’m proud to have been part of it.”
Here’s a quote from Dana Marie Pappas, CAA Director of Officiating Services at the NFHS “Kudos to Adrian Pete, Rehoboth Athletic Director and to Walter Dorman, varsity regional assigning coordinator, for showcasing female officials during the Rehoboth tournament. Having female officials on the court shows the next generation what is possible – it shows that they CAN officiate, because they see someone who looks like them doing it. What a special event, in addition, to see Virgil Loretto and his daughters working together. In my 25-year tenure with the NMAA, I do not recall us ever having a crew with a father and TWO daughters. It had to have been such a wonderful moment for all involved. This tournament is something to celebrate!”
