The women’s volleyball team at the center of a national debate over gender and sports advanced to the conference championship after Boise State refused to play.

Twice during the regular season, the Boise State women’s volleyball team took a moral stand by forfeiting matches against San Jose State rather than competing against a player believed to be transgender.

Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender

A federal judge ruled that the player, who is at the center of a controversy over transgender athletes, can participate in a women’s volleyball conference tournament this week.

The issue resurfaced after San Jose State’s fast start to the 2024 season. The Spartans were initially scheduled to face Southern Utah as part of the Santa Clara Tournament on Sept. 14, but the match was abruptly canceled. Boise State elected not to play its scheduled Mountain West Conference match against San Jose State on Sept. 28.

The suit was filed on behalf of players who claimed it was unfair and physically unsafe for them to play against a purportedly transgender athlete.

Boise State University has decided to withdraw from the Mountain West women's volleyball tournament despite securing a spot in the semifinals against the Spartans.

Twice during the regular season, the Boise State women’s volleyball team took a moral stand by forfeiting matches against San Jose State rather than competing against a player believed to be transgender.

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that allows a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member to play in the Mountain West Conference tournament after complaints said she should be ineligible on grounds that she’s transgender.