UNR Volleyball Players Allege Intimidation Over SJSU Trans Athlete Controversy

Federal Title IX investigation launched after players claim they were pressured to play against transgender athlete

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) women's volleyball team found itself embroiled in the national controversy surrounding transgender athlete Blaire Fleming at San Jose State University (SJSU) in 2024. UNR players alleged they were intimidated and threatened by university administrators when they expressed a desire to forfeit a match against SJSU, leading to a federal Title IX investigation of UNR.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions and complex issues surrounding transgender participation in women's sports, as well as concerns about how universities handle such sensitive situations and protect the rights of student-athletes. The allegations against UNR raise questions about the school's commitment to upholding Title IX and supporting its female athletes.

The details

In October 2024, UNR administrators informed the women's volleyball team that the school would not allow them to forfeit an upcoming home match against SJSU, where transgender player Blaire Fleming was on the roster. Several UNR players expressed concerns about safety, fairness, and the impact on women's sports, but claim they were pressured by the school to play the match. UNR did not have a Title IX officer present at the meeting, and the players say they were threatened with potential "legal issues" if they refused to compete. After the players went public with their intent to boycott, UNR faced a national media firestorm and ultimately forfeited the match just days before it was scheduled.

  • On October 7, 2024, UNR administrators met with the women's volleyball team to inform them the match against SJSU would not be forfeited.
  • On October 12, 2024, UNR Athletics Director Stephanie Rempe acknowledged in an email that the school's Title IX officer was not present at the October 7 meeting.
  • In October 2024, the UNR volleyball players publicly announced their intent to not play the match against SJSU.
  • On October 24, 2024, an email from Rempe outlined "Next steps transgender education" as a priority for the UNR athletic department.
  • On October 26, 2024, UNR announced it would forfeit the match against SJSU due to not having enough players willing to compete.

The players

Sia Liilii

Former UNR women's volleyball team captain who called the meeting with administrators a "horrible" experience.

April Chainey

Mother of a UNR volleyball player at the time who filed a Title IX complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

Marshi Smith

Former NCAA swimmer and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS), who led the Nevada Lieutenant Governor's task force on the protection of women's sports and assisted the UNR players.

Blaire Fleming

The transgender athlete at the center of the controversy who played for San Jose State University.

Stephanie Rempe

UNR Athletics Director who acknowledged the school's Title IX officer was not present at the meeting with players.

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What they’re saying

“This meeting was horrible. It took place after the school decided to make a choice for us and it was uncomfortable. They told us there was no advantage by Blaire because she was on estrogen and testosterone blockers in order to level the playing field. A bunch of the girls and I expressed not wanting to play for the reasons of safety, fairness, and an opportunity for women in sports being taken away by a male athlete. Instead of supporting this decision we were told that maybe we should think about all the 'facts' first in case we wanted to reconsider.”

— Sia Liilii, Former UNR women's volleyball team captain (Fox News Digital)

“I just couldn't believe it. UNR Athletics Department discriminated by not suggesting or offering a Title IX officer to be present... I was mad, really made. I felt like there was nobody there to protect the teams and the players... they really dismissed [the player's voices] because their voice did not fit in the NCAA gender ideology agenda... I was disgusted when I saw that happening.”

— April Chainey, Mother of a UNR volleyball player (Fox News Digital)

“There was sweeping intimidation for the girls on UNR's volleyball team to stand down on their decision not to play San Jose State University. There were multiple different tactics, from emotional blackmail to even insinuation that legal disputes could be brought.”

— Marshi Smith, Former NCAA swimmer and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is investigating UNR for potential Title IX violations related to the handling of the SJSU match. Meanwhile, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is leading a petition to amend the state constitution to restrict transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and divisive issues surrounding transgender participation in women's sports, as well as concerns about how universities respond to student-athlete concerns and uphold Title IX protections. The allegations against UNR raise serious questions about the school's commitment to supporting its female athletes and creating an inclusive environment.