Brooke Slusser, a college junior from Denton, Texas, faced a physical threat against her life for the first time while playing volleyball for San Jose State University. The threat came after she learned that one of her teammates was a transgender female, which led her to join a lawsuit against the NCAA. Despite sharing a locker room and rooming with her teammate on trips, Slusser alleged that she was never informed about the teammate’s biological sex. This situation thrust Slusser, her teammates, and their transgender teammate, Blaire Fleming, into a national debate about gender identity rights and women’s sports, putting their safety at risk.
To ensure their safety, the volleyball program at San Jose State University beefed up security measures in response to the threat against Slusser. The team already had a regular security guard, but they decided to bring in armed security due to the increased attention and potential danger they faced. Security personnel were present not only during home games but also accompanied the team on away matches to provide additional protection. This decision was made after several opposing teams forfeited matches against the Spartans, drawing further attention to the team and raising concerns about safety.
As the team continued to face threats and cancellations, they maintained a heightened level of security at games and on their trips. Slusser and her teammates found themselves under closer police supervision when they played at Colorado State, following the initial threat against her life. Despite the added protection, Slusser remained vigilant and expressed concerns for her safety, especially during away games where threats could potentially escalate. The university confirmed that security measures would be in place for future matches to ensure the safety and security of the team.
The situation took a new turn as the Spartans prepared for a match against the University of Nevada, Reno, where Nevada players expressed their desire not to play against the San Jose State team. Nevada players cited concerns about transgender inclusion in women’s sports as the reason for their stance, demonstrating the divisive nature of the issue. Despite the potential for conflict, Nevada stated that players who choose not to participate in the match will not face consequences, as the university is bound by state law and the Equal Rights Amendment which includes gender identity protections.
With the upcoming match in Reno looming, Slusser, Fleming, and their teammates face uncertainty and potential security risks as they navigate a contentious debate in women’s sports. The national spotlight on their situation has raised concerns about their safety, prompting the need for continued police protection during games and trips. As they prepare to face challenges both on and off the court, the team remains committed to standing their ground on the issue of transgender inclusion in college sports, despite the threats and obstacles they may encounter.
