Amid Ongoing Controversy, SJSU Volleyball Takes Measures to Protect Trans Athlete Despite Constant Game Forfeits

San Jose State University’s women’s volleyball team continues to be in the eye of the storm. Amidst the ongoing controversy, where SJSU was alleged of hiding that one of their players was a trans athlete, another team, Utah State decided to pull out of their October 23 match with the side. This takes the tally of teams who have forfeited their match against SJSU to 4.

The string of events started with Southern Utah canceling, followed by Boise State, and then the University of Wyoming. Until recently, the Utah State University voiced a similar call. However, this doesn’t seem to have put a damper on the side’s stance. Amidst the debate and the lawsuit against the NCAA, KQED has reported that SJSU spokesperson Michelle Smith McDonald assured each of their women’s volleyball team players comply with the rules and regulations framed by the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference.

Smith wrote, “It is disappointing that our SJSU student-athletes…are being denied opportunities to compete.” She added, “We are committed to supporting our student-athletes through these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe, and respectful environment.” Smith also informed that the University police have been providing security to the team, whether they play at home or in road games.

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Amidst SJSU increasing its security provisions, its not totally ruled out that the controversy may not be taking a toll on the team. While the Spartans may have been back on the floor after a dry spell this Thursday as they played Colorado State, the end result wasn’t in their favor. Losing all three sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-20, they barely seemed in top form. This plunged their 9-0 score this season to a 9-1.

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But at least it wasn’t like the other cases, where four schools decided to forfeit without citing explicit reasons. Going forward, another glimmer of hope appears for SJSU, as another team perhaps does not seem to have an issue with playing the scheduled match against them.

Nevada decides to play against SJSU Volleyball per schedule?

As per the update by Reno Gazette journal, the University of Nevada sent SJSU volleyball a statement that, “The University of Nevada volleyball team remains focused on its upcoming matches with UNLV and San Diego State and intends to play its remaining Mountain West schedule, including the match with San Jose State University on October 26.”

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Nevada also stated in the statement that it will continue to abide by all the rules and regulations of the NCAA, Mountain West Conference, and USA Volleyball and will also take cognizance of the laws and constitution of its state. However, it looks like the Nevada Athletic Director, Reno President, or Governor have not returned requests for comments.

The Las Vegas Review Journal has also noted that the UNLV team will not follow the forfeit route. In fact, they plan to play against SJSU Volleyball on the said date, October 12. Do you think other teams will join the four schools in withdrawing or continue as slated? Share your thoughts below!

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