Boise State Women’s Volleyball Bows Out of Semi-Finals Over San José State Player
San José State’s women’s volleyball team is smashing records—just not the way anyone expected. Thanks to yet another opponent refusing to take the court, the Spartans are headed to the Mountain West Conference finals without so much as a spike. This time, it’s Boise State opting for a dramatic forfeit in protest of a San José player whose presence has turned volleyball into a lightning rod for the culture wars.
Boise State’s latest no-show isn’t an isolated incident. Wyoming, Utah State, Nevada, and Southern Utah have all joined the protest train, refusing to play San José and handing them a jaw-dropping six forfeit victories this season. Forget grueling practices or game-day jitters—San José’s biggest hurdle this year has been finding teams willing to actually show up.
Nevada players, in a particularly fiery statement, declared they wouldn’t participate in any match “that advances injustice against female athletes.” Ironically, their collective boycotts have catapulted San José to second seed in the tournament. If advancing a team to the finals is “justice,” it’s a curious way of showing it.
From Volleyball to Courtroom Drama
The controversy centers on a player from San José State whose identity has been at the heart of a storm involving trans athletes in sports. While the media (PinkNews included) has chosen not to reveal her name, anti-trans commentators and some athletes have been far less discreet, making the situation as much about politics as it is about athletics.
Earlier this week, a lawsuit aimed at blocking the player from competing reached Colorado district judge S. Kato Crews, who delivered a decisive ruling. The complainants—made up of players from other teams, San José’s co-captain, and a recently suspended assistant coach—argued that her participation violated Title IX and the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.
Judge Crews, however, ruled that trans individuals are protected under those same laws and questioned why the plaintiffs had waited until mid-season to file their case. Filing an emergency injunction months after the first forfeit? That’s a timing error no coach would tolerate.
Boise State’s Statement Game
Boise State’s withdrawal from Wednesday’s semi-final wasn’t exactly a shocker. Their spokesperson acknowledged the “tough decision” but made sure to highlight the team’s earlier efforts to secure their spot in the tournament.
“Our team overcame forfeitures to earn a spot in the tournament and fought for the win over Utah State in the first round,” the spokesperson said, before adding a call for a “better system that serves all athletes.” Translation? They’ll be back when the rules align with their worldview.
San José: Champions by Default?
With Boise State stepping aside, San José State advances directly to the finals—again without playing. The Spartans’ semi-final strategy now seems clear: bring snacks and wait for the other team to forfeit.
For fans, this season has been a bizarre mix of volleyball and high-stakes legal drama. The Spartans, undefeated in the art of sitting courtside, are on track to claim the championship without breaking much of a sweat.
As for Boise State? They’re going home with their principles intact, leaving volleyball enthusiasts to wonder if this sport is about to be renamed “courtroom ball.” Whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure: the next match San José actually plays will be must-see TV.
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