Anika Markle 
UTAH STATE PLAYERS (source https://www.instagram.com/usuvolleyball/)
Utah State University (USU) has become the fourth school to withdraw from playing San Jose State University’s (SJSU) women’s volleyball team, which remains undefeated but embroiled in controversy. The October 23, 2024, match was canceled amid concerns over the inclusion of Blaire Fleming, a transgender athlete, on the team’s roster.
USU’s decision follows similar actions by Southern Utah, Boise State, and Wyoming, all of which have refused to play against SJSU. The universities cited concerns regarding fairness in women’s sports, particularly in light of Fleming, a male-to-female transgender athlete, being part of the starting lineup. The Mountain West Conference will determine how these forfeits are recorded.
Political Support for the Boycott
Utah Governor Spencer Cox voiced his support for USU and Southern Utah’s decisions, criticizing the NCAA for not addressing what he sees as the unfairness in women’s sports. “I stand with the students, coaches, and leadership… in their decision to forgo their matches against San Jose State,” Gov. Cox posted on X (formerly Twitter). He called for the NCAA to act, emphasizing the need for fair competition and protection for female athletes.
NCAA Under Scrutiny
Despite the growing number of schools withdrawing from matches, SJSU has not commented on the forfeits or Fleming’s role on the team. The NCAA, which has faced increasing pressure to address policies regarding transgender athletes, remains at the center of the debate. As more universities take a stand, the future of these competitions remains uncertain.