Riley Gaines Praises Four Volleyball Teams After Forfeiting Matchups Against University Over Trans-Identifying Player

The University of Wyoming (UoW) women’s volleyball team has become the latest institution to forfeit a match against San Jose State University (SJSU) due to the presence of a trans-identifying athlete on the opposing team.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks the third of four such forfeits this season involving SJSU’s team.

Outspoken supporter of only women competing in women’s sports Riley Gaines gave the Wyoming team, who calls themselves “the cowgirls,” major “kudos” following the decision.

“This is the way. Do not comply,” she added.

Utah State University’s (USU) team, the fourth team to forfeit against SJSU, released a statement that read, “[we] will not participate in [our] scheduled October 23, 2024, volleyball match at San Jose State University.”

“The University will abide by Mountain West Conference policy regarding how this match is recorded.”

SJSU’s volleyball team is now undefeated–at 11 technical wins–with nearly half of those stemming from opposing teams refusing to compete.

Boise State forfeited its September 28 match, while Southern Utah withdrew from a September 14 contest.

Even Idaho Governor Brad Little chimed in on the issue by posting, “I applaud [Boise State] for working within the spirit of my Executive Order, the Defending Women’s Sports Act.”

“We need to ensure player safety for all of our female athletes and continue the fight for fairness in women’s sports,” he continued.