2024 was a stellar year for NCAA volleyball, as immense growth marked another record-breaking year. Yet while networks such as ESPN earned over 3.5 million views during the season, one controversy refused to die down throughout the regular season and beyond. In fact, over a month after the 2024 regular season ended, the SJSU Volleyball controversy remains relevant.

Despite the off-season being well underway, the San Jose State volleyball program is facing a crisis. After a season filled with controversy, the transfer season has brought its own challenges. Meanwhile, after staying silent on the issue for months, two volleyball veterans have clarified their stance about the San Jose State controversy, following fans using them to do so.

Two volleyball icons reveal why they have remained silent

Former beach volleyball world champion Sarah Pavan and her husband Adam Schulz answered their fans during the Volley Talk podcast. Explaining why they “didn’t go into the San Jose State transgender issue in more detail other than highlighting it,” Schulz said, “My experience in talking about this situation is that people have a very hard time separating the social and political stance in the sports context,” clarified the former volleyball player-turned-coach.

Pavan added that many also do not separate the “science” context of the discussion. “I think the sport and the science discussion are very tightly intertwined,” added the 38-year-old. Besides the nuance required to discuss the SJSU controversy, the hosts also explained they don’t want the podcast to divide the audience. “We want to bring you volleyball and what’s happening,” added Schulz.

The volleyball icons are aware that everyone’s views differ. So they wish to maintain neutrality. Schulz ended the segment by saying that while they would love a healthy debate, the controversy surrounding SJSU is a bit too sensitive. “I don’t think that discord would be a, kept civil, and b, be productive,” concluded the volleyball coach. Another issue that may have discouraged the couple from discussing San Jose State volleyball is the current transfer season crisis.

Since the trans athlete controversy started in September, the issue has continued to escalate. External voices such as Riley Gaines have spoken up. Meanwhile, co-captain Brook Slusser, former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, and several former and active Mountain West players filed a federal lawsuit in November. However, the transfer season has brought more woes for the Spartans.

The SJSU volleyball program is facing an exodus

After the season wrought with forfeitures due to the trans athlete controversy, several players decided to leave the program. The 2024/25 college volleyball transfer season starting even before the NCAA Championships ended provided multiple SJSU players with that opportunity. Not one or two, but seven players entered the portal.

Nayeli Ti’a, Ava Martin, Laurel Barsocchini, Kiyana Faupula, Mari Lawton, Jade Epps, and Teya Nguyen made their decision to leave the Spartan camp even before 2024 ended. Among these seven players, Ava Martin has already found a new home. Martin officially committed to the Iowa State Cyclones even before the first week of 2025 ended.

As for the other six players, it remains to be seen where they will go. SJSU addressed the issue through a statement to Fox News Digital in December 2024. “Student-athletes have the ability to make decisions about their college athletic careers,” read the statement.

“We have the utmost respect for that,” the university added. However, this development does not bode well for the volleyball program. San Jose had built a historic 9-game win streak ahead before the controversy. However, with so many players leaving the program, it may be difficult for the Spartans to bounce back in 2025.

“This has been one of the most difficult seasons I’ve ever experienced,” SJSU coach Todd Kress said after losing the MWC Tournament finals in December 2024. And since things don’t seem to be getting easier, it could also be one of the reasons why the Volley Talk hosts do not wish to discuss the situation in San Jose.