**High School Volleyball Team Forfeits Match Over Trans Athlete Controversy**
A high school girls’ volleyball team in California has made headlines after forfeiting a match against a team that includes a transgender athlete. Riverside Poly High School’s girls’ volleyball team decided not to compete against Jurupa Valley High School, which features well-known trans athlete AB Hernandez. While Riverside Poly did not specify the reason for their forfeit, several parents and a school board member indicated that the decision was influenced by the presence of the trans player.
Former high school volleyball player and activist Payton McNabb, who suffered permanent brain damage from an injury caused by a male opponent in a 2022 match, expressed her support for Riverside Poly’s decision. “I applaud these girls! They were put in a situation no young athlete should ever face – choosing between their safety and their sport. I’ve been there. I still live with the consequences of being injured by a male athlete on the court. There’s a reason the boys’ net is seven inches higher – because the game is different,” McNabb stated. “What these girls did took real courage, and it’s devastating that they’re the ones paying the price for decisions made by adults.”
Two former women’s college volleyball players who also forfeited matches against a team with a trans athlete last season praised the Riverside Poly players. San Jose State University’s women’s volleyball team faced a similar situation, with seven of its games forfeited by opponents amid a national debate involving trans athlete Blaire Fleming. Macey Boggs, a former player from the University of Wyoming, expressed solidarity with the Riverside Poly team, saying, “It takes courage to stand up. I’m so proud of them for doing what is right. Women fought for us in the past, and it’s time for this generation to step up and fight for the women to come.”
In a related incident, the University of Nevada, Reno women’s volleyball players sought permission from their school to forfeit a match against San Jose State University later that month. Despite their request, the university initially insisted on playing the match. Ultimately, Nevada decided to forfeit the game the day before it was scheduled.
This situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports and the challenges faced by female athletes in navigating these complex issues.
**FAQ**
**Why did Riverside Poly High School forfeit their volleyball match?**
Riverside Poly High School forfeited their match against Jurupa Valley High School due to concerns regarding the presence of a transgender athlete on the opposing team, reflecting ongoing debates about safety and fairness in women’s sports.
