“I Was Speaking My Belief” – Days After Feeling ‘Burned at the Stake,’ Former Lacrosse Coach Spoke About Trauma From Opposing Men in Women’s Sports

A polarizing and contentious debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports is brewing in Oberlin College. Former Oberlin College women’s lacrosse coach Kim Russell is at the center of the storm. Her story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who dare to express dissenting views on this hot-button issue.

“I was speaking my belief,” says Russell, encapsulating the essence of her journey. It all began when she shared a post on her personal Instagram account. In that post, she expressed her concerns about Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer competing in women’s NCAA swimming. This act of voicing her beliefs led to a series of disciplinary meetings with Oberlin College administrators.

The Passionate Stand: Voicing Concerns in the Face of Controversy 

Kim Russell, a seasoned coach with a deep passion, became embroiled in a controversy that rocked her career. Russell firmly believes that biological differences between males and females are scientifically undeniable. She says, “It is scientific that biologically males and females are different. Period.” Her stance, she adds, stems from a genuine concern for women’s sports and the experiences of female athletes.

“I have this opportunity because of the women who came before me to play at the highest level. There have already been athletes who had awards taken away from them. Opportunities taken away from them. Opportunities to compete at a certain level. All because someone else got it who is a biological male.”

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Russell’s conviction is shared by many, but it also sparked accusations of transphobia and hate. Russell grappled with the fallout of her decision to speak out. However, she quickly became a symbol of the larger debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. Her passionate stand had thrust her into the heart of a heated and polarized conversation. Needless to say, the consequences of her actions would prove to be profound.

The Consequences

In one particularly chilling meeting, Natalie Wikelfoos, Associate VP for athletics, expressed her disappointment. She categorized Russell among those “filled with hate in the world.” Russell’s shock and emotional turmoil were palpable during these encounters. The pressure to conform to Oberlin College’s beliefs weighed heavily on her.

According to Creg Jantz, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, expressing one’s opinions is acceptable, but shouldn’t be against Oberlin College’s belief. “It is acceptable to have your own opinions. But when they go against Oberlin College’s beliefs, it’s a problem for your employment.”

There were plenty of these meetings, calling for a written apology from Russell. In one such meeting, she felt like she was being “burned at a stake, stoned, and hanged all at the same time”. She expressed, “The meeting turned into anybody saying anything about anything that they didn’t like about my coaching style my assistant coach anything. I love these kids and to have many of them say all these things that to me was attacking who I was as a person and it made me sad.”  She also said,  “I knew by the end of that meeting that it didn’t matter what I said. there was Cognitive Dissonance. nobody would hear me. I felt like It broke my family apart. It was the most difficult season I’ve coached by far”

Russell’s ordeal serves as an example of the challenges faced by those who dissent in today’s highly polarized climate. For her, it was not only about Lia Thomas or transgender athletes. It was also about her deeply held beliefs regarding women’s sports. As a coach, she felt the responsibility to voice out what she strongly believed in.

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