As Nevada Volleyball Goes Against Players’ Forefit, Conference Commissioner Shares Disappointment Over SJSU Trans Athlete Controversy: “Not What We Celebrate”

“We, the University of Nevada Reno women’s volleyball team, forfeit against San Jose State University,” read the official statement from the players of the Nevada Wolf Pack. On Monday, October 14, 2024, co-captain Sia Liilii gave this statement to OutKick. The team’s joint decision came shortly after the University of Nevada confirmed they would play against SJSU on October 26.

However, despite the student-athletes formally announcing their forfeiture, the University did not budge. Nevada released a follow-up statement reminding the students that “The University and its athletic programs are governed by the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law.” They emphasized that those laws do not support such a decision. Now, the Mountain West Conference Commissioner has chimed in.

The University of Nevada stated that the law and the rules do not support forfeiters based on “gender identity or expression.” Hence, refusing to play against SJSU would violate that law. While Commissioner Gloria Nevarez didn’t cite state and federal law and NCAA rules, she expressed sadness at the whole situation. Nevarez said the recent forfeiture against SJSU surrounding the trans volleyball athlete controversy has been distressing.

Gloria Nevarez explained that such a trend is “not what we celebrate in college athletics” during her interview with the Associated Press. With their statement to OutKick, the Nevada Wolf Pack players became the fifth team to refuse a scheduled game against the Spartans. None of the four universities, such as Southern Utah, Wyoming, and more, cited a reason behind backing.

However, their decisions came shortly after former Kentucky State swimmer Riley Gaines accused SJSU of hiding Blaire Fleming’s identity as a trans athlete. Now, over a month and four cancelations later, SJSU’s season hangs in the balance. That’s because despite Nevada not going along with the decision of their volleyball team, there’s a catch.

In their follow-up statement, Nevada explained that “players may choose not to participate” on October 26th. “No players will be subject to any team disciplinary action” if they don’t appear for the scheduled game. So despite stating that the athletics department does not support the decision, they won’t force any Wolf Pack members. Meanwhile, many have praised the team after their statement to OutKick.

The voices sounding their support for the Nevada Women’s Volleyball Team

While the University of Nevada didn’t find their team’s decision praise-worthy, other prominent figures did. “They’re the first school to specifically cite fairness & safety concerns as reason for forfeit… Incredibly proud of these girls,” Riley Gaines wrote on Twitter. Gaines, who has led the Title IX violation lawsuit against the NCAA, is a vocal critic of trans athletes in women’s sports.

Besides Gaines, the SJSU Spartans’ own Brooke Slusser commended the Nevada Women’s Volleyball team. “Round of applause to the girls,” she wrote on X. Slusser stunned the community in September when she filed an addition to Gaines’ Title IX lawsuit. Blaire Fleming’s teammate also cited safety concerns in her legal case. Even notable personalities outside of sports commented.

“As I’ve said previously, I believe there are competition and safety concerns with this issue. I wholeheartedly respect the decision of the players.” wrote none other than Nevada’s Governor, Joseph Lombardo. Finally, GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown is among the most recent to speak out in solidarity with the University of Nevada athletes.

“They didn’t just win a game, though. They are winning on the issue of protecting women’s sports. I’m so proud of them right now. This is a matter of safety, fairness, and privacy,” Brown posted on October 17. However, Gloria Nevarez is heartbroken because “student-athletes on both sides of this issue that are getting a lot of national negative attention.” Only time will tell if the Wolf Pack face the Spartans on the court on October 26.