San Jose State volleyball team experiences 7th forfeited match since Trump's election, with transgender player on the team.

The women's volleyball team at San Jose State will have its seventh game canceled this season due to a national controversy surrounding a transgender athlete on the team.

The University of Wyoming has decided to forfeit its second match of the season against San Jose State on Friday. This marks the first time Wyoming has forfeited against San Jose State since Trump's presidential election victory.

Planet Chronicle Digital received a statement from San Jose State regarding the forfeit.

Our athletes adhere to NCAA and Mountain West Conference policies and are eligible to play under their rules. However, our volleyball team members have been denied the opportunity to compete due to cancellations and forfeits, which we are deeply disappointed about. Despite these challenges, we are proud of their resilience on the court.

San Jose State has forfeited matches against Southern Utah, Utah State, Nevada, and Boise State, which has also forfeited two matches against the Spartans.

Gov. Brad Little of Idaho issued a state executive order that restricts transgender inclusion in girls and women's sports. Prior to the second Boise State cancellation, Little told Planet Chronicle Digital that he was certain the match would be canceled and suggested judges and prosecutors would get involved if it wasn't. San Jose State claims that Boise State has since informed it that the rematch will be forfeited.

The NCAA is facing criticism and conflict over the inclusion of a transgender player, Blaire Fleming, on San Jose State's volleyball team. The team's captain, Brooke Slusser, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming that Fleming's presence in the locker room has caused tension and discomfort among the players. Slusser alleges that she was never informed that Fleming is a biological male, according to court documents.

The university suspended assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose after she filed a Title IX complaint accusing the university of favoritism towards Fleming over Slusser.

Slusser expressed to Planet Chronicle Digital in an exclusive interview that she feels "unsafe" and vulnerable due to the university's handling of the situation, following numerous threats against her life.

"I believe it's evident that those in my circle and at the gym are not here to support me, but rather Blaire. They have made it clear that they will go to great lengths to maintain their support for Blaire while neglecting my needs," Slusser stated. "As a result, I have come to the conclusion that you cannot rely on anyone in this situation."

Batie-Smoos was the only coach in the program who supported Slusser in her decision to join the lawsuit and advocate for the protection of women's athletics.

Slusser stated that after discovering that she had been released, many team members broke down and became anxious. One of his teammates even expressed fear for their safety because they no longer had someone they could trust to discuss their concerns or feelings openly.

Slusser claims she does not feel secure discussing the program with anyone else, including head coach Todd Kress.

"Melissa is the only coach who allows you to express your feelings without judgment or dismissal. She listens and validates your emotions, making you feel heard and understood," Slusser said.

Slusser regrets opening up with Fleming in ways she wouldn't have had she known Fleming was a biological male, as she has not spoken with him since joining the lawsuit.

The team has been assigned police protection throughout the controversy, and the university has coordinated additional police protection with other universities for away games.

San Jose State was questioned by Planet Chronicle Digital about the steps it is taking to identify the individuals responsible for threatening Slusser, including whether digital forensics by the university police department is being employed or if the matter has been escalated to state or federal investigators.

San Jose State informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the university has requested students and staff to disclose all communications related to concerns with UPD for evaluation and appropriate action, including in collaboration with the relevant authorities if necessary.

The team is facing additional challenges, including security concerns, locker room tensions, and uncertainty about the postseason. The upcoming Mountain West Tournament may include matches between San Jose State and teams like Wyoming, who have already forfeited.

A federal crackdown on transgender athletes in women's sports could be enforced after Donald Trump's presidential victory. Trump has advocated for a ban of all transgender athletes in women's sports and said he would implement it as president. Slusser and Little both expressed support for the ban on Planet Chronicle Digital.

In recent years, liberal politicians and Democrat-backed legislation have facilitated the participation of transgender athletes in women's and girls' sports, making it harder for parents to stop their daughters from competing against biological males.

The Biden-Harris administration's proposed bills, such as the Equality Act and a Transgender Bill of Rights, aim to facilitate transgender inclusion in women's sports at a national level.

The university cited the amendment to the Nevada state constitution that protects gender identity from transgender discrimination as the reason for not forfeiting a game against San Jose State in October.

Although players requested the athletic department to cancel the game, the university did not comply with state law. Nevada's team forfeited the day before the match due to a lack of players, which was caused by disputes between players and administrators and a change of venue from Nevada to California.

Massachusetts and New York Democratic representatives have criticized their party's stance on transgender inclusion in women's sports.

With Trump's upcoming presidency, a broader action to exclude transgender individuals from women's sports may occur with minimal opposition from the left.

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