California Teens Stand Up for Trans Athletes' Right to Compete

Transgender students and their families face intense backlash as they fight to preserve inclusive sports policies in the state.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Several California teenagers, including Lily Norcross, AB Hernandez, and Abigail Jones, have found themselves at the center of a heated national debate over transgender athletes participating in youth sports. While conservative groups and some cisgender athletes are working to sideline trans competitors, the teens and their families are resisting and advocating for their right to compete.

Why it matters

The battle over transgender athletes in California has national implications, as a potential loss for the state could contribute to transgender youth being sidelined from sports across the country. The outcome of this fight could set a precedent that impacts the rights of transgender athletes nationwide.

The details

At the local level, cisgender athletes, their families, and conservative and religious allies have expressed anger over transgender athletes using girls' facilities and resentment over their allegedly stealing victories from cisgender girls. This opposition has been coordinated by a network of conservative organizations working across California and beyond to oust transgender girls from sports. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has launched an investigation into California's trans-inclusive sports policies and sued the state, alleging discrimination against cisgender girls under Title IX.

  • In 2024, two girls at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside filed a lawsuit challenging the participation of their transgender track and field teammate Abigail Jones.
  • In March 2025, Shannon Kessler founded the group Save Girls' Sports Central Coast and distributed fliers at Harvest Church in Arroyo Grande calling on parishioners to challenge Lily Norcross's participation on the track and field team.
  • In February 2025, President Trump issued an executive order calling for transgender athletes to be barred from competition nationwide.

The players

Lily Norcross

A 17-year-old transgender junior at Arroyo Grande High School who competes on the track and field team.

Trevor Norcross

Lily Norcross's father, who has spoken out in defense of his daughter's right to compete.

Abigail Jones

A 17-year-old transgender student who graduated early from high school but continues to advocate for transgender athletes' right to compete.

AB Hernandez

A 17-year-old track star at Jurupa Valley High School who won several medals at the CIF State Track and Field Championships despite calls for her to be barred from competing.

Shannon Kessler

A former PTA president and church leader who founded the group Save Girls' Sports Central Coast and has worked to challenge Lily Norcross's participation on the track and field team.

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What they’re saying

“Bathrooms and locker rooms are the most dangerous place for trans students, and when they are at their most vulnerable. Our daughter goes to extreme lengths to avoid them. Unfortunately, sometimes you can't.”

— Trevor Norcross, Lily Norcross's father (latimes.com)

“I have to keep doing it, because if I stop doing sports, they won. They got what they wanted.”

— Lily Norcross (latimes.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the legality of policies banning transgender athletes from competing in states such as Idaho and West Virginia, which could have sweeping implications for transgender athletes nationwide.

The takeaway

This case highlights the intense national debate over the participation of transgender athletes in youth sports, with conservative groups and some cisgender athletes working to exclude them, while transgender students and their families fight to preserve their right to compete. The outcome could set a precedent that impacts transgender athletes across the country.