The University of Wyoming’s women’s volleyball team has decided to forfeit its upcoming match against San Jose State University (SJSU) due to the presence of a transgender-identifying biological male player on the SJSU women’s team.
The Cowgirls announced their decision in a statement, explaining “After a lengthy discussion, the University of Wyoming will not play its scheduled conference match against San Jose State University in the UniWyo Sports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 5.”
“Per Mountain West Conference policy, the Conference will record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Wyoming,” the statement said. “The Cowgirls will host Fresno State on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 pm in the UniWyo Sports Complex.”
SJSU’s volleyball team includes Blaire Fleming, a biological male who identifies as female. Wyoming’s decision to forfeit comes after Boise State also refused to play against San Jose State last week. Similarly, Southern Utah declined to compete against SJSU in a non-conference match during the Santa Clara Tournament last month, as reported by Outkick.
Wyoming’s decision marks a reversal after initially indicating they would play. Still, the move has received significant support, including from Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, who posted on X, “I am in full support of the decision by [the University of Wyoming Athletics] to forego playing its volleyball match against San Jose State. It is important we stand for integrity and fairness in female athletics.”
Women’s sports activist Riley Gaines also praised the decision, posting, “LETS GOOOO. University of Wyoming is the third school to forfeit their match against SJSU because they have a man on their women’s team.”
“This is the way,” she continued. “Do not comply. Major kudos to @WYO_Volleyball @BroncoSportsVB @SUUVolleyball.”
San Jose State’s volleyball team remains undefeated this season, with Fleming playing a key role. Fleming was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Hawkeye Invitational earlier this season, where SJSU won the championship.
In response to the forfeit, SJSU released a statement to Outkick, expressing disappointment: “It is disappointing that our SJSU student athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being denied opportunities to compete.”
“We are committed to supporting our student-athletes through these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment,” the school added.
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
