Seven San José State Women’s Volleyball Players Exit Amid Transgender Player Controversy

The San José State University women’s volleyball program has been thrust into the spotlight after seven of its players entered the NCAA transfer portal following a tumultuous season. The departures come in the wake of a heated controversy surrounding Blaire Fleming, a transgender athlete who was allowed to compete on the team. This decision ignited debates within the Mountain West Conference and led to a high-profile lawsuit involving several female volleyball players, including a San José State team member, including Brooke Slusser.

The university confirmed that Nayeli Ti’a, Mari Lawton, Ava Martin, Laurel Barsocchini, Kiyana Faupula, Jade Epps, and Teya Nguyen were among those who chose to leave the program. Their exits underscore the division and challenges faced by the team during a season that ended amidst widespread controversy.

A Season Marked by Controversy

The controversy centres on Blaire Fleming, a transgender athlete who played for the team this season. Fleming’s inclusion became the focus of a lawsuit filed by multiple women’s volleyball players within the Mountain West Conference, including Brooke Slusser, a San José State team member.

Amid the turmoil, the team saw a significant exodus of players, including Nayeli Ti’a, Mari Lawton, Ava Martin, Laurel Barsocchini, Kiyana Faupula, Jade Epps, and Teya Nguyen. These players have now sought opportunities elsewhere, marking a pivotal moment for the university’s program.

A Unique Path to the Championship

The Spartans faced an unusual season, recording six unopposed wins as several teams refused to compete against them. The team ultimately reached the Mountain West Conference championship during Thanksgiving weekend when Boise State withdrew from the tournament.

In a public statement, Boise State described their decision not to proceed as “not an easy one.”

“Our team worked tirelessly to earn a spot in this tournament despite setbacks due to forfeitures. They should not have to forgo this opportunity while awaiting a more equitable system for all athletes,” Boise State’s statement read.

San José State Responds

San José State expressed its disappointment over Boise State’s decision, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and competition.

“We celebrate and support all our students, including our student-athletes, as they represent our community this holiday weekend,” the university stated. “While disappointed by Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s match and looks forward to competing for the championship.”

Coach Todd Kress Speaks Out

Head coach Todd Kress addressed the unusual circumstances of the season in comments to the San Francisco Chronicle, emphasizing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.

“To be clear, we don’t celebrate wins by forfeiture,” Kress said. “Instead, we prepare for the fallout. Each forfeiture announcement brings a wave of disturbing, hateful messages directed at our student-athletes, coaching staff, and others connected to our program.”

Kress acknowledged the emotional toll but reiterated the team’s focus on competing with integrity and determination.

A Complex Issue

The departures of these seven players underscore the complexities surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in collegiate sports. Fleming’s participation sparked debates on fairness, equity, and the challenges of balancing individual rights with competitive integrity.

As San José State navigates the repercussions of this tumultuous season, the broader conversation about transgender athletes in sports continues to evolve. For now, the university remains steadfast in its support for all its athletes while facing a period of rebuilding and reflection.