San Jose State Women’s Volleyball Team Faces Controversy and Forfeits Over Transgender Player

The San Jose State University women’s volleyball team is at the center of a significant controversy surrounding their transgender player, Blaire Fleming, as they prepare to face Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference tournament final on Saturday.

The season has been marked by multiple forfeits from other teams in the conference, including Boise State, Utah State, Wyoming, and Nevada, who have refused to play against San Jose State due to the presence of Fleming on the team. These forfeits have resulted in San Jose State earning six additional conference wins, securing the No. 2 seed in the tournament.

Boise State, in particular, has been vocal about their decision, stating that they are seeking a “more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes.” This stance has been supported by Idaho Governor Brad Little, who praised Boise State for aligning with his Executive Order, the Defending Women's Sports Act.

A lawsuit filed by several college athletes, including San Jose State’s co-captain Brooke Slusser, against the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference alleges violations of Title IX and First Amendment rights. The lawsuit aims to bar transgender women from competing in women’s sports. Despite this, a federal judge and an appeals court have ruled in favor of allowing Fleming to compete in the tournament.

Additional controversy arose from allegations made by suspended San Jose State associate head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, who accused Fleming and a Colorado State player of conspiring to influence the outcome of a game. However, the Mountain West Conference investigation found insufficient evidence to impose any discipline.

San Diego State, which will not be in the final after losing to Colorado State, had previously stated their intention to play against San Jose State if they advanced to the championship match, emphasizing their commitment to the sport rather than making a statement on the controversy.