The San Jose State women’s volleyball team has faced challenges this season due to a controversy surrounding a transgender player on the team. Despite four matches being canceled earlier in the season, the team is now moving forward without any further forfeits from upcoming opponents.
A spokesperson from San Jose State University confirmed that no notifications of cancelations have been received at this time. The team is set to play home games against San Diego State and UNLV. After a recent loss to San Diego State, the team’s record stands at 9-2 for the season.
Looking ahead, the team has 13 regular season games remaining, including matchups against UNLV, New Mexico, Air Force, San Diego State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Nevada. Some of these games are rematches against opponents who previously forfeited their matches against the Spartans.
Despite the controversy, the team is focused on finishing the season strong. San Jose State’s head coach, Todd Kress, has expressed frustration with the interference of politics and government in college sports. He believes that decisions at higher levels are impacting the student-athletes’ ability to compete.
Junior Brooke Slusser, a player on the team, joined a lawsuit against the NCAA regarding its policies on gender identity, citing her experience with teammate Blaire Fleming. Slusser expressed safety concerns for opponents playing against Fleming and highlighted the need for protection during games.
The situation has escalated to the point where police protection has been assigned to ensure the team’s security. Despite these challenges, the San Jose State women’s volleyball team is determined to focus on their remaining games and compete at their best level.
As the national debate over transgender inclusion in women’s sports continues, the Spartans remain committed to representing their university with pride and integrity on the volleyball court. The support from fans and the community has been crucial during this challenging time, and the team is grateful for the continued encouragement as they navigate this season.