University Threatened Female Volleyball Players to Compete Against Trans Athlete

Players at University of Nevada, Reno were allegedly intimidated into playing against transgender player from San Jose State

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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According to reports, female volleyball players at the University of Nevada, Reno were threatened and intimidated by university administrators to compete against a transgender player from San Jose State University. The players had previously voted to forfeit the match, but the university overruled their decision and told them they would have to play.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing debate around transgender athletes competing in women's sports, and the tensions that can arise when universities try to force players to compete against their wishes. It raises questions about player autonomy, fairness in sports, and how to balance inclusion with concerns over potential competitive advantages.

The details

The UNR volleyball players reportedly shared their concerns about competing against the transgender player from SJSU with Marshi Smith, a former NCAA swimmer and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women's Sports. Smith said there was "sweeping intimidation" of the UNR players to make them "stand down" on their decision not to play. University administrators allegedly told the players the transgender player had "no advantage" due to hormone therapy, and warned them about possible legal issues if they forfeited the match.

  • On October 7, 2024, UNR administrators met with the women's volleyball team to inform them they would not be allowed to forfeit the upcoming home match against SJSU.
  • In October 2024, Breitbart News reported that the UNR women's volleyball team had previously held a player vote deciding to forfeit the match against SJSU.

The players

Marshi Smith

A former NCAA swimmer and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS).

Sia Liilii

The previous captain of the UNR women's volleyball team.

Blaire Fleming

The transgender player from San Jose State University who the UNR players were required to compete against.

Stephanie Rempe

The athletics director at the University of Nevada, Reno.

April Chainey

The mother of a UNR volleyball player who provided testimony and public records to Fox News about the situation.

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What they’re saying

“There was sweeping intimidation for the girls on the UNR's volleyball team to stand down on their decision not to play San Jose State University. There were multiple different tactics, from emotion 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)

“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.”

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the UNR volleyball players to forfeit the match against San Jose State University.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and debates around transgender athletes competing in women's sports, and the challenges universities face in balancing inclusion, fairness, and player autonomy. It raises questions about how to ensure a level playing field while also being respectful and inclusive of all athletes.