The Boise State University women’s volleyball team withdrew from the Mountain West Conference Championships rather than play its match against San Jose State University. The SJSU team has been embroiled in a season-long controversy for its allegedly transgender teammate, Blaire Fleming.
Withdrawing from the playoffs marks the third match that Boise State has refused to play against SJSU this season. In a statement the team said, “The decision to not continue to play in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship tournament was not an easy one.”
In response, the SJSU team told CNN, “While we are disappointed in Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s match and looks forward to competing for a championship.”
The Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball playoffs began on Nov. 27, and ultimately saw Colorado State win in a final game against SJSU, secure the conference title and advance to the NCAA tournament. Just last week a judge had ruled in favor of SJSU’s participation in the tournament after several women from the conference filed a Title IX lawsuit. The plaintiffs wanted SJSU’s forfeits overturned and Fleming banned from play.
Related: Judge Allows SJSU's Trans Athlete to Compete in Volleyball Playoffs
However, SJSU moved forward in the tournament and was prepared to face Boise State University in the semifinals. Boise State defeated Utah State in the first round, and only hours later the team announced that they would not play SJSU.
SJSU head coach Todd Kress said in a statement, “This has been one of the most difficult seasons I’ve ever experienced and I know this is true as well for many of our players and the staff who have been supporting us all along. Maintaining our focus on the court and ensuring the overall safety and well-being of my players amid the external noise have been my priorities.”
Despite Boise State’s forfeiture, there were no other protests or displays during Saturday’s match. In comparison with the controversial season, SJSU’s final match was uneventful. As the player in question is in her senior season, this likely marks the end of SJSU’s controversy.
