Despite the controversy surrounding San Jose State University's (SJSU) transgender player Blaire Fleming, Colorado State University's volleyball team faced the Spartans and emerged victorious in a 3-0 shutout.
As the San Jose State University women's volleyball team finds itself embroiled in controversy, Colorado State University boldly took the court against the Spartans. The Spartans have drawn attention due to their transgender player, Blaire Fleming, which has led to four other teams forfeiting or canceling their matches against SJSU.
Unfazed by the controversy, Colorado State opted to play against the university and emerged victorious on Thursday, winning in three sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-20). The win showcased the Rams' strength and determination, as well as their willingness to navigate the uncharted waters of transgender athlete inclusion.
Colorado State's Volleyball Team Wins Despite Controversy Surrounding SJSU's Trans Player
The match was a roller coaster of emotions for Fleming, who led the game with 14 kills. However, she also committed 10 errors, resulting in a kill percentage of just 9.5%. Despite the errors, Fleming's impact on the court was evident, as she received the most set-up attempts (42) of any player in the match.
Thursday's match marked the first loss for SJSU this season, a disappointing outcome after the team's strong start. The loss came just 48 hours after Utah State became the fourth program to decline to face Fleming and SJSU. Utah State was penalized with a forfeit loss as a result of its decision.
Colorado State's Volleyball Team Wins Despite Controversy Surrounding SJSU's Trans Player
In addition to Utah State, Southern Utah, Boise State, and the University of Wyoming have all forfeited matches against SJSU due to the presence of Fleming. None of these schools have provided a specific reason for their forfeits, other than acknowledging the consequences to their win-loss records.
The NCAA released a statement in response to Boise State's forfeit, emphasizing its commitment to Title IX, investments in women's sports, and fair competition for all student-athletes in NCAA championships.
Colorado State's Volleyball Team Wins Despite Controversy Surrounding SJSU's Trans Player
Despite the controversy, Fleming has been a valuable contributor to the Spartans' success. Her 139.5 points and 119 kills rank second on the team, showcasing her athleticism and determination. SJSU was scheduled to play Wyoming next, but the Cowgirls are one of the four programs that have opted out of playing against Fleming.
The controversy surrounding Fleming has raised important questions about transgender athlete inclusion in women's sports. Female athletes have expressed concerns about the competitive fairness of competing against transgender players, while advocates for transgender rights emphasize the importance of inclusion and the right to participate in sports.
Macy Petty, a Concerned Women of America legislative assistant and NCAA volleyball player, spoke with Fox News Digital about how players feel "blindsided" by the lack of information from the NCAA regarding the presence of transgender players on opposing squads.
"There's no informed consent for the schools or for the female athletes here. They're totally blindsided when they walk up to the court, and they see that there's a male athlete on the other side," Petty said.
As the debate on transgender athlete inclusion continues, Colorado State's victory over SJSU demonstrates the challenges and complexities surrounding this issue. The Rams' willingness to play against Fleming shows that some teams are embracing inclusion, while the forfeits by other programs highlight the concerns and questions that remain.
