The San Jose State University women’s volleyball team is aiming to qualify for the N.C.A.A. tournament for the first time in 23 years, but it faces challenges in securing matchups against other schools.
The University of Nevada, Reno, recently became the fifth institution to decline to compete against San Jose State, citing concerns over a transgender player on the team. Other schools that have opted out include Southern Utah University, Boise State University, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State University.
Nevada’s team expressed on social media their refusal to participate in matches they believe promote injustice against student athletes, claiming that transgender women possess an unfair competitive advantage.
This situation has placed the San Jose State Spartans at the center of the ongoing debate regarding the participation of transgender athletes, particularly transgender women, in sports aligned with their gender identity. This issue has gained traction in Republican-led legislatures and has become a focal point in the current presidential campaign.
Head coach Todd Kress noted that the refusals to play and the negative online messages directed toward the team have significantly affected the players. He described the situation as heartbreaking for the student athletes.
The university has not confirmed whether there is a transgender player on the team, and while some media outlets have identified a player as transgender, this has not been independently verified. The player in question has been with the Spartans since the 2022 season, and the schools that forfeited matches against San Jose State had previously competed against the team when this player was active.
According to the Movement Advancement Project, 25 states have enacted laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, although many of these laws are currently facing legal challenges.
The N.C.A.A. has varying rules regarding transgender participation across different sports. In volleyball, transgender athletes must provide documentation confirming they have transitioned to their adopted gender, and they must meet specific testosterone level requirements.
A lawsuit filed in March by a group of athletes, including swimmers and volleyball players, claims that the N.C.A.A. discriminates against women by allowing transgender women to compete, citing the case of Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who competed for the University of Pennsylvania.
Critics of transgender athletes competing in women's sports argue that transgender women retain physical advantages from male puberty, creating an uneven playing field. However, there is ongoing debate about the extent of testosterone's impact on athletic performance.
Brooke Slusser, a co-captain of the Spartans, has expressed concerns regarding the physical differences she has observed in her transgender teammate, stating that the teammate's hitting power exceeds that of any female player she has faced. Slusser has joined the lawsuit against the N.C.A.A., highlighting her fears of injury due to the perceived advantages.
A spokesperson for San Jose State stated that there have been no significant injury reports related to the transgender player during matches or practices. Slusser has publicly supported Nevada’s decision to forfeit against San Jose State.
A rally in support of Nevada’s decision attracted hundreds of attendees, including prominent conservative figures who oppose transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
San Jose State has condemned targeted campaigns against its students, emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes. The university affirmed that all team members are eligible to compete under N.C.A.A. and Mountain West Conference rules.
As the election approaches, transgender issues have become a significant topic among Republican candidates, with former President Donald Trump advocating for a ban on transgender women in women’s sports.
Democratic candidates have largely focused on other issues, with some advocates arguing that the controversy surrounding transgender athletes is politically motivated and detrimental to the mental health and safety of these individuals.
The future of the Spartans' season remains uncertain, with their regular season concluding on November 21. The team currently holds a record of 11 wins and three losses, which may qualify them for the tournament.
Coach Kress has expressed disappointment over the lost opportunities for his team, emphasizing the impact on the players who have earned the right to compete.