USU volleyball player says she was scolded for speaking out about transgender issues

Nov 15, 2024, 2:09 PM | Updated: 5:45 pm

LOGAN — A Utah State University women’s volleyball player is part of a new lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference, seeking to prevent a San Jose State University player from participating in a tournament later this month.

This lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado by 11 volleyball players, including USU’s Kaylie Ray, and a coach. They’re upset that San Jose State player Blaire Fleming has been allowed to participate on a women’s volleyball team when they argue that Fleming is transgender and was born a male.

The plaintiffs in the suit want Fleming to be declared ineligible to play in the Mountain West Conference tournament in Las Vegas, which is scheduled for November 27-30 in Las Vegas.

Ray, co-captain of the USU women’s volleyball team, is part of the lawsuit. Her team chose not to play San Jose State last month, earning the support of many Republican state lawmakers in Utah. Southern Utah University also bowed out of a match against San Jose State in September.

A photo of Kaylie Ray seen interacting with fans of Utah State volleyball. (Courtesy USU Athletics)

Last month, Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez told the Associated Press that Fleming “meets the eligibility standard, so if a team does not play them, it’s a forfeit, meaning they take a loss.”

The lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday, argues that Title IX regulations protect “equal opportunity for women’s athletics programs and opportunities.”

“The most significant reason that women overwhelmingly are unable to effectively compete for roster spots, scholarships, and recognition on men’s teams in these sports is biological: male competitive advantage derived from vast physiological differences between men and women,” the plaintiffs wrote.

Ray specifically argues that current policies from the Mountain West Conference, the NCAA, and San Jose State are not providing equal opportunities for women.

The USU player also said she has faced pushback for speaking out, including from her own coach who Ray alleged scolded her for posting a photo of herself and other teammates wearing a t-shirt that said “BOYcott” on it.

In the lawsuit, Ray said, “many around us were only concerned about the discomfort our stand was causing them and how it made them appear to others. They did not appear to care about standing up for us; they simply acted inconvenienced and put off by our decision to speak up for women.”

In response to an inquiry from KSL TV, the Mountain West Conference issued the following statement Friday afternoon on the lawsuit:

The Mountain West Conference prioritizes the best interests of our student-athletes and takes great care to adhere to NCAA and MW policies. While we are unable to comment on the pending litigation of this particular situation, we take seriously all concerns of student-athlete welfare and fairness.

In a statement late Friday, USU said it “supports the rights of all students to speak out on important issues regardless of their viewpoint. Ms. Ray has been steadfast in her advocacy for women in sports and USU supports her right to advocate for her position through litigation.”

Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Morgan, who has sponsored multiple bills dealing with transgender issues in Utah, expressed support this week for the players who filed the lawsuit.

“Although few at their institutions are willing to advocate for them,” Birkeland wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “it’s encouraging to see these young women rising up and advocating for themselves.”

Other plaintiffs in the suit include current and former players from San Jose State University, the University of Nevada, the University of Wyoming, and Boise State University.

KSL 5 TV Live

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: (L-R) Ed Kelce, Ashley Avignone, Alana Haim, Ross Travis, Tay...

CNN

Taylor Swift joined by famous pals to cheer on Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX

Taylor Swift showed up to Super Bowl LIX in “Style.”

13 minutes ago

Staff at Dugway Proving Grounds find several hundred struggling and dead eared grebes on April 15, ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

As many as 25,000 grebes killed by bird flu within Great Salt Lake, Utah officials say

Utah wildlife officials estimate 15,000 to 25,000 eared grebes have died in recent months from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak across the Great Salt Lake, causing dead birds to pile up throughout the vital bird habitat.

1 hour ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club Forward Josh Doan Reassigned To Tucson Roadrunners

Utah is making some roster adjustments, reassigning Forward Josh Doan to the Tucson Roadrunners.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

The Hat Trick: Karel Vejmelka Saves The Day For Utah Hockey Club In Shootout Victory Over Caps

Karel Vejmelka posted a shutout in a shootout as the Utah Hockey Club secured two critical points before the Four Nations break.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Super Bowl Three-Peat Eluded All-Time Greats. Now Mahomes Takes His Shot

Kansas City is in the Super Bowl after winning the last two, which means the Chiefs have done what many others couldn't before them.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

USU volleyball player says she was scolded for speaking out about transgender issues