Volleyball team in turmoil as seven players leave amid transgender controversy

In the United States, San Jose State University has witnessed significant turmoil within its women’s volleyball program due to the inclusion of a transgender player, Blaire Fleming, in the 2024 season. The Spartans, who ended the regular season with a 12-6 conference record, advanced to the postseason in large part due to multiple teams refusing to play, resulting in seven victories by forfeit. This controversy surrounding Fleming, a biological male competing on the women's team, sparked heated debates and protests, leading to the departure of at least seven players who have since entered the transfer portal, choosing to leave the program ahead of the 2025 season. Head coach Todd Kress described the 2024 season as one of the most difficult experiences of his coaching career, primarily due to the external pressures, including safety concerns for his players amid protests. The San Jose State volleyball team not only faced backlash from opponents refusing to play but also legal challenges from teammates seeking to prevent Fleming from participating. A federal judge ultimately rejected these lawsuits, allowing him to compete throughout the season and in the Mountain West Conference championship game, which ended in a loss to Colorado State. As a result, the Spartans missed out on a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Amid the controversies, San Jose State University faced internal dissent, with one assistant coach being suspended for expressing views against Fleming’s participation. Various players criticized the support system within the team, particularly after staff changes led to a lack of mentorship for athletes voicing their concerns about safety and favoritism. Students and parents raised alarms over the alleged treatment of players opposed to Fleming’s inclusion, which has led to public scrutiny and legal challenges against the university and its athletic program. Concerns included incidents involving alleged plots against teammates, adding to the growing tension affecting team dynamics. In light of the ongoing upheaval, SJSU has acknowledged the departures and voiced respect for the players opting to transfer. As the university heads into the 2025 season, it grapples not only with the need to rebuild the team’s roster but also the impact of the controversy on its reputation in collegiate athletics. The situation has highlighted a broader national debate over the rights of transgender athletes in women's sports, with political ramifications as the Biden administration recently withdrew a proposed rule change that would have affected schools' decisions on such matters.