Transcending the boundaries of sports, Schuyler Newberger has become a beacon of inspiration for many. The 19-year-old trans college water polo player is determined to prove detractors wrong and challenge stereotypes. Overcoming the hindrances faced by a transgender athlete, she has received the support of her teammates from the Iona University, who have encouraged her to counter all the cynicism and be comfortable in her own skin.

Newberger has evolved to be a thriving force at Iona University as she dedicates herself to sports surpassing all prejudices she faced as a teenager. Working on promoting inclusivity in sports, she pursues water polo and cheerleading and her journey is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. 

Schulyer Newberger breaks barriers in her journey to self-discovery

Newberger’s path to self-discovery commenced with her revelation on Independence Day as a 16-year-old. Coming out as bisexual and a transgender individual, she had received mixed reactions of both love and hate. On her way to pursuing her aspirations in sports, she encountered bullying and discrimination. However, she has turned all the negativity into strength. 

In an interview with Outsports, Newberger shared a glimpse of her journey towards becoming a cheerleader, “When I came out, I was told that I would never play college sports because I am a person of color and a transgender woman. Those people were wrong. I worked hard to show people that someone who is LGBTQIA+ can play sports and be successful.”

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She defied all expectations shattering stereotypes attached to gender and color by qualifying as a Division 1 water polo player, proving that LGBTQIA+ individuals possess the tenacity to excel in sports. Qualifying for the men’s team had its own set of ups and downs. 

Navigating through NCAA rules, Newberger becomes a true inspiration

Even though she excelled in water polo, Newberger was assigned to be a part of the men’s team at Iona University as per the regulations of the National College Athletics Association (NCAA). It was because of the transition process that prevented her from qualifying for the women’s team. Undeterred by the hurdle, Newberger embraced the opportunity and dedicated herself to working on the life she always envisioned. 

She feels overwhelmed by the support she has received from her teammates, “For example, at one of our conference games this year, a player on the opposing team directed slurs at me, but I was proud when my team defended me. After the game, they checked up on me and made sure we documented the slurs in order to file a complaint with the conference (no decision has been made yet).”

And so, she has found a new purpose in her life that extends beyond her sports triumphs. Newberger now aims to convey the message that with hard work and determination, every barrier can be broken. 

Challenging societal expectations and prejudices around transgenders in the field of sports, Schulyer Newberger’s story becomes a testament to limitless possibilities. As she maintains the balance in all arenas- water polo, cheerleading and academics, the athlete is embarking on a journey to pave the way for inclusivity in the realm of college athletics. 

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