Nevada volleyball star speaks out against trans inclusion in women's sports: "That is not fair!"

Sia Li’ili’i, the captain of the Nevada Wolf Pack women's volleyball team, has been appointed as the newest Independent Women's Forum ambassador due to her leadership in her team's decision not to play against a trans athlete from San Jose State this season.

The Wolf Pack women’s volleyball team held a press conference to discuss their school's reluctance to forfeit against San Jose State, a team with trans athlete Blaire Fleming on its roster, late last month.

On the day the team was set to play the Spartans, several players, including Li’ili’I, discussed the situation. The team captain broke down in tears as she began her speech.

Liilii was stunned when the news broke, as many of his teammates were. "This is not what we signed up for," he said, referring to the program's refusal to forfeit despite telling the athletic department they didn't want to face Fleming and the Spartans weeks earlier.

"We were not consulted and did not agree when our university made a decision for us, releasing a statement on our behalf saying we were going to play. Liilii, Riley Gaines, and Tulsi Gabbard were present at the event," Liilii stated.

"Our university's decision to put us in a potentially harmful position left us feeling emotional and overwhelmed. I can't express how it feels to face such a situation with my teammates and knowing that we are all alone."

Li’ili’I is continuing to support the initiative of safeguarding women's areas and activities by serving as an ambassador with the IWF.

"Li’ili’I, a Division 1 athlete, stated in an IWF release that men do not belong in women’s sports. He explained that as a lifelong competitor, he has worked hard to achieve his dream of competing at this level, and he wants his nieces to have the same opportunity. However, he believes it is unfair for them to compete against a male with significant biological advantages for a roster spot."

Carrie Lukas, president of IWF, stated: "We are excited to welcome Li’ili’i to our team. As a fearless advocate for women's rights and common sense, she has made a significant impact. This is our chance to triumph on this issue and safeguard women and girls through our policies and laws. With Li’ili’i as an ambassador, I am confident we will achieve our goal."

Women's sports advocates, including IWF ambassadors, have actively spoken out about the current state of women's sports and the risks associated with allowing biological males in women's private spaces, as well as the dangers of changes to Title IX.

Li’ili’I, a senior at Nevada, Reno, has accumulated 709 kills as an outside hitter throughout her four years at the university. This season, she has recorded 164 kills in 25 matches played.

This season, SJSU has had four other teams forfeit matches against them, including Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming, and Utah State.

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