Arizona Lawmaker Debates Former NCAA Athlete Over Transgender Sports Bill

Senator Catherine Miranda questioned volleyball player Kaylie Ray's competitiveness during heated hearing on proposed legislation.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Arizona state senator Catherine Miranda, a Democrat, faced backlash after questioning former NCAA volleyball player and "save women's sports" activist Kaylie Ray's competitiveness during a heated debate over a bill that would protect women's sports from biological males. Ray had previously led her Utah State team in forfeiting a match against San Jose State in 2024 due to a transgender athlete on the SJSU team.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights the ongoing debate over transgender participation in women's sports, with proponents arguing it's necessary to protect fairness and opportunities for female athletes, while opponents claim it discriminates against transgender individuals. The controversy surrounding San Jose State's handling of a transgender athlete has also resurfaced national attention on the issue.

The details

During the Arizona Senate Education committee hearing, Miranda opened her response to Ray's testimony by commenting on Ray's appearance and athletic build. She then argued against Ray's position and the proposed bill, claiming she had competed against men herself in sports. Miranda questioned how competitive Ray really was, without ever using the words "transgender" or "male." Ray argued back that the bill would include three gender categories - male, female and co-ed - and that allowing men in women's sports takes away opportunities and protections that women have worked hard to secure.

  • The Arizona Senate Education committee hearing took place on Wednesday.
  • In 2024, Ray's Utah State team forfeited a match against San Jose State due to a transgender athlete on the SJSU team.
  • After finishing her graduate degree at Weber State in 2025, Ray spoke at a 'save women's sports' rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court in January 2026.

The players

Catherine Miranda

An Arizona state senator and Democrat who questioned the competitiveness of former NCAA volleyball player Kaylie Ray during a hearing on a bill that would protect women's sports from biological males.

Kaylie Ray

A former NCAA volleyball player and "save women's sports" activist who testified at the Arizona Senate Education committee hearing in support of the bill to protect women's sports. She previously led her Utah State team in forfeiting a match against San Jose State in 2024 due to a transgender athlete on the SJSU team.

Blaire Fleming

A transgender athlete who competed on the San Jose State University women's team, leading to controversy and forfeits by opposing teams in 2024.

Brooke Slusser

The SJSU co-captain who filed a lawsuit after sharing a team and apartment with Blaire Fleming in 2023 without knowing Fleming was a transgender biological male.

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Education Secretary who responded to SJSU's lawsuit by giving the university a deadline of 10 days to come to a resolution agreement or face funding cuts and a referral to the Department of Justice.

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What they’re saying

“I have my sports hat on now. It's all about a sports mentality, growing up in sports, being a tomboy. I mean, you look pretty healthy. I've played against girls that look like you. You look very much in shape and strong.”

— Catherine Miranda, Arizona State Senator

“If you want to compete against your man, absolutely, let's do that in the co-ed section. The clarity and distinction is really important. Because when men are allowed access into women's sports and spaces, it isn't women's sports and spaces anymore.”

— Kaylie Ray, Former NCAA Volleyball Player

“I wonder if she could look Riley Gaines, Brooke Slusser, Lainey Armistead, Madison Kenyon, Mary Kate Marshall, and every single girl who has been forced to compete against a man in the eyes and tell them they simply are not competitive enough? Wanting fairness does not make someone a coward. Wanting safe and equal competition does not mean a girl does not have what it takes. It means she respects herself and the effort and dedication that women have put into building opportunities in sports ... No single woman has the right to give away the opportunities and protections that so many others worked so hard to secure.”

— Kaylie Ray, Former NCAA Volleyball Player (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The Arizona Senate Education committee will continue to debate the proposed bill that would protect women's sports from biological males. The controversy surrounding San Jose State's handling of the transgender athlete Blaire Fleming is also expected to remain in the national spotlight, with the university facing a deadline from the U.S. Education Secretary to resolve the issue or face funding cuts and a referral to the Department of Justice.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives around the complex issue of transgender participation in women's sports. While proponents argue it's necessary to protect fairness and opportunities for female athletes, opponents claim it discriminates against transgender individuals. The outcome of this legislative battle and the SJSU case will have significant implications for the future of women's sports.