San Jose State’s women’s volleyball team has had multiple matches forfeited as part of an ongoing controversy surrounding a transgender athlete on the team. The University of Wyoming announced it would forfeit its second match against the Spartans, citing NCAA and Mountain West Conference policies as the reason for the decision. Other programs that have forfeited matches against San Jose State include Southern Utah, Utah State, Nevada, and Boise State, which has forfeited two matches against the Spartans. The controversy has led to tension within the team and threats against Spartans captain Brooke Slusser, who has sued the NCAA over the presence of transgender teammate Blaire Fleming. Assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was suspended after filing a Title IX complaint alleging favoritism toward Fleming.
Slusser expressed feeling unsafe within the program and noted that the university’s handling of the situation has left her without support. She cited a lack of safe spaces to voice concerns and regrets opening up to Fleming before knowing the player’s birth gender. Police protection has been assigned to the team throughout the controversy, and additional security measures have been coordinated with other universities for away games. San Jose State has been asked about the measures being taken to address threats against Slusser and whether digital forensics or state/federal investigators are involved in the investigation.
In addition to security concerns and tensions within the team, San Jose State is facing uncertainties regarding the postseason, with the upcoming Mountain West Tournament potentially featuring matches against teams that have already forfeited, such as Wyoming. The controversy comes amid a broader national debate over transgender inclusion in women’s sports, with potential federal action under a Trump administration. Trump has advocated for banning all transgender athletes from women’s sports, a stance supported by Slusser and Gov. Brad Little of Idaho. Legislation proposed by Democrats has facilitated transgender inclusion in women’s sports, but some party members have begun to question this approach.
San Jose State’s decision not to forfeit a game against Nevada in October was influenced by an amendment to the state constitution protecting gender identity from discrimination. Despite calls from players to forfeit, the university refused due to not enough players being available to participate, following disputes between players and administrators. Democrats have shown signs of moving away from previous stances on transgender inclusion in women’s sports, and with the potential for more sweeping action under a new administration, the debate may continue to evolve. As the controversy around the volleyball team continues, questions remain about the impact of federal policies on transgender athletes in women’s sports and the future of the sport at both the collegiate and national levels.
