Nevada Volleyball Team to Forfeit Match Against San Jose State

In October 2023, the University of Nevada's women's volleyball team decided to forfeit their match against San Jose State University in response to the inclusion of a transgender player, Blaire Fleming, on the opposing team. This decision came after the university publicly stated that the team would proceed with the match without consulting the players. Team captain Sia Liilii expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the school, especially as the team was preparing for a significant match against their in-state rival, UNLV. The Nevada players united in solidarity with other teams that had previously forfeited, emphasizing their stance against what they perceive as sex-based discrimination in sports. They articulated their belief that women deserve fair competition and opportunities, which they felt were compromised by the current policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This incident marked Nevada as the fifth school to cancel a match against San Jose State this season, highlighting a growing movement among female athletes advocating for their rights and safety. Despite potential backlash, the team prioritized their principles over the competitive aspect of the game. The Mountain West Conference maintained that these forfeits are institutional decisions and indicated no plans to change their policies despite the ongoing controversy. The situation reflects broader societal debates regarding gender identity and fairness in athletics, particularly in women's sports.