The San Jose State Women’s Volleyball team has had multiple matches forfeited this season due to a controversy surrounding a transgender athlete on the team, Blaire Fleming. The University of Wyoming recently announced they would be forfeiting their second match against San Jose State, making it the seventh cancellation this season. San Jose State responded to the forfeits by stating that all their athletes comply with NCAA and Mountain West Conference policies. However, the forfeits have been a source of disappointment for the team, as they have been denied opportunities to compete due to cancellations and forfeits.
In addition to Wyoming, other programs such as Southern Utah, Utah State, Nevada, and Boise State have all forfeited matches against San Jose State. The ongoing controversy surrounding the presence of a transgender athlete on the team has created significant tension within the locker room. San Jose State captain Brooke Slusser has sued the NCAA over the presence of Blaire Fleming in shared personal spaces with the team without being informed that Fleming is a biological male. Slusser also alleges that the university has shown favoritism towards Fleming over her, leading to her feeling unsafe and unprotected.
Slusser has also voiced concerns about feeling unsupported by the coaching staff and the university administration. San Jose State suspended assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose after she filed a Title IX complaint alleging favoritism towards Fleming. Slusser has expressed feeling isolated within the program and not feeling comfortable speaking with anyone involved, including head coach Todd Kress. The situation has escalated to the point where police protection has been assigned to the team, and additional security measures have been put in place for away games.
The controversy has also raised questions about the future of women’s athletics, particularly in regards to transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Trump’s presidential victory could lead to a federal crackdown on transgender athletes in women’s sports, with both Slusser and Idaho Governor Brad Little expressing support for such a ban. Democrat-supported legislation has enabled transgender inclusion in women’s sports, but some Democrats, like Reps. Seth Moulton and Tom Suozzi, have started to distance themselves from their party’s stance on the issue. With Trump set to take office, there may be more opposition to transgender inclusion in women’s sports.
Despite the ongoing controversy and potential security concerns, the San Jose State Women’s Volleyball team is now faced with uncertainty regarding the postseason. The upcoming Mountain West Tournament could feature multiple matches against teams that have already forfeited games. The university has faced criticism for not forfeiting a game against San Jose State in October, citing state legislation protecting gender identity from discrimination. With the potential for a federal ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports, the future of the sport remains uncertain.
