Fair Play or Foul? The Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Volleyball

A recent controversy in college volleyball has highlighted an ongoing national debate about transgender athletes and their participation in women’s sports. The situation involves a player from San Jose State University (SJSU) who is said to be a transgender woman. Several opposing teams in the Mountain West Conference chose to forfeit matches rather than compete against SJSU, citing concerns about fairness and safety.

How It Began

The issue gained attention in September 2024 when Boise State University officials sent a survey to their women’s volleyball team. The survey asked players how they felt about competing against a transgender athlete and whether they wanted to play the scheduled match against SJSU. Boise State later canceled the match and another one scheduled for November, taking losses in both cases.

This decision was followed by similar forfeits from other teams in the conference, including Wyoming, Utah State, and Nevada. None of these schools directly stated the transgender athlete as the reason for their forfeits, but the timing and public statements made by state officials suggest otherwise.

The Lawsuit

In November, several players and coaches from the Mountain West Conference filed a federal lawsuit. They argued that the inclusion of the transgender athlete created an unfair advantage and raised safety concerns. The lawsuit also alleged that SJSU players were collaborating with opponents to harm a teammate who had previously spoken out against the participation of transgender athletes.

The Mountain West Conference and SJSU denied these allegations after conducting investigations. They stated there was no evidence of wrongdoing or collusion.

The Debate Over Rules

The controversy reflects a broader debate about how transgender athletes are included in sports. The NCAA, which governs college athletics, has policies requiring transgender women to undergo hormone therapy to lower testosterone levels for at least one year before competing in women’s sports. Critics argue that these policies do not fully address physical differences, while supporters believe they ensure fair participation.

In the SJSU case, the player’s performance has been scrutinized. Some claim her spikes are more powerful than her peers, while others point out that many top women players in the NCAA hit with similar power.

National Implications

This debate extends beyond college volleyball. Politicians, athletes, and advocacy groups have weighed in, with some calling for stricter rules and others emphasizing the importance of inclusion. Title IX, the law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools, is often cited in these discussions, but it does not provide specific rules about transgender athletes.

As the legal case and public debate continue, this situation remains a key moment in the broader conversation about the balance between fairness, safety, and inclusion in sports.