Forfeit and Legal Battle
's women's volleyball team forfeited its semifinal match against (SJSU), protesting against SJSU's inclusion of a transgender player, Blaire Fleming, in the tournament. This decision marks the team's third forfeit against SJSU this season.
A legal challenge aimed at barring Fleming from competition was dismissed by a Colorado judge, who affirmed transgender individuals' protection under Title IX and the 14th Amendment, leading to further forfeits by other teams against SJSU.
National Debate and Responses
The controversy has ignited a national debate on transgender participation in women's sports, with critics arguing against fairness for cisgender female athletes, while advocates assert transgender rights and inclusion.
Responses to Boise State's decision were mixed, with some praising the team as "heroic" and others, including SJSU, expressing disappointment. The confirmed SJSU's advance to the championship final due to forfeit.