Controversy Arises Over Transgender Athlete in Nevada Women’s Volleyball

The University of Nevada, Reno women’s volleyball team recently made headlines by refusing to play against San Jose State University due to the presence of a transgender athlete on the opposing team. The decision was announced after the Nevada players voted to forfeit the match, a decision supported by some high-profile Republicans who attended their game against Utah State on Tuesday.

Sia Liilii, the team’s captain, stated that the decision was made in the interest of maintaining “equal opportunity and fair play on the court.” Liilii further explained to the Reno Gazette Journal, “Women have fought so hard to get to the point where we are, playing D1 volleyball and having matches like this. For someone who is a biological male to come in is not fair.”

The University of Nevada, Reno issued a statement emphasizing their adherence to NCAA rules that prohibit discrimination, while also clarifying that the players would not face any disciplinary action for opting out of the match. The university’s statement read, “The University and its athletic programs are governed by the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law, which strictly protect equality of rights… including the rules and regulations of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, which include providing competition in an inclusive and supportive environment.”

Despite these assurances from the university, Liilii maintained that the team would continue with their decision not to play San Jose State, a stance supported by Republican figures such as former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown, and Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, all present at the game. “This is a noble fight these young ladies are engaged in, and I wanted to be here to stand up with them,” Brown told the Reno Gazette Journal.

Gabbard, who previously sponsored legislation aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s collegiate sports, expressed her pride in the team’s stand, stating to Liilii after the game, “I am so proud of you.” Joe Gilbert, an attorney representing several players, voiced concern over what he perceives as discrimination against the players by the university.

This development comes as several other institutions, namely Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, and Southern Utah University, have similarly refused to play against San Jose State this season. Lawmakers in these states have echoed concerns about the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.