How the War Over Trans Athletes Tore a Volleyball Team Apart

Introduction

• Publication: The New York Times
• Author: Jason Zengerle
• Date: April 20, 2025
• The article focuses on the controversy surrounding trans athletes in college sports, particularly through the story of Blaire Fleming, a volleyball player at San Jose State University.

Key Person: Blaire Fleming

• Senior volleyball starter for San Jose State University Spartans.
• Previously an average player, became a symbol of the trans athlete debate.

Controversy

• Origin: An article by Reduxx claimed Fleming was a transgender woman, based on old photographs and a Facebook comment from her grandmother.
• Confirmation: Fleming later confirmed she is transgender in interviews with the author.

NCAA and Team Reactions

• NCAA rules allowed trans women to compete in women’s sports if they undergo hormone therapy and maintain testosterone below specific levels.
• San Jose State’s officials and teammates were aware of Fleming's status.

Wider Impact

• Five opposing teams boycotted matches against San Jose State, choosing to forfeit.
• University of Nevada, Reno, issued a statement against participating in matches perceived as unjust to female athletes.

Broader Context

• The narrative reflects the larger culture war over trans athletes in sports.

Additional Information

• Author’s Research: In-depth investigation included interviews with athletes, coaches, and officials from both the Biden and Trump administrations.
• Public Reaction: The article had significant engagement, with over 1.8k comments.

Related Topics

• San Jose State University, NCAA policies, U.S. political climate, and implications for trans athletes in sports.