Charleston Swim League to Vote on Gender Segregating Competitions

Parents demand action after male swimmer allowed to compete against girls

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association (CCAA), a local swim league in Charleston, South Carolina, is facing backlash from parents after reportedly allowing a male swimmer to compete against biological female swimmers without their knowledge or consent. The league has proposed a solution to ban boys from competing against girls for points, but allow them to continue competing against them in 'exhibition' match scenarios, which parents argue still undermines fairness.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing debate around transgender athletes competing in sports, particularly in swimming where biological males have inherent physical advantages. The situation has raised concerns about fairness, privacy, and the emotional well-being of young female swimmers who may be forced to compete against and undress in front of biological males.

The details

In 2025, the parent of a male youth asked permission for him to wear female attire and swim with the girls, a request the league leadership reportedly permitted coaches to honor. This led to growing awareness and anger among parents, who demanded the league explain why their daughters were being forced to compete against a boy. The league has now proposed a solution to ban boys from competing against girls for points, but allow them to continue competing against them in 'exhibition' match scenarios, which parents argue still undermines fairness.

  • In 2025, a male swimmer began using the female changing facilities at the Northbridge Terrace Pool.
  • On February 17, 2026, the CCAA will hold a vote on the adoption of the proposed rules at the North Charleston Town Hall.

The players

Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association (CCAA)

A local swim league in Charleston, South Carolina that has faced backlash from parents over allowing a male swimmer to compete against biological female swimmers.

Katie C. Shields

A parent who expressed discontent with the CCAA's proposed solution, noting it does not formally address issues around exhibition races, use of facilities, and rules for gender-based participation.

Mike Walsh

A coach who is also the highly-decorated head swim coach at Charleston's prestigious Porter-Gaud school.

Michael Mulé

A parent and former coach who voiced his wish that boys and girls be separated beyond competitive matches, arguing that the same fairness concern applies to all swimmers in a heat and event.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

An organization that found early school-age children are in a stage of development where they begin to understand bodily autonomy, privacy and modesty, and that forcing them into settings where these boundaries are blurred can cause confusion and distress.

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What they’re saying

“If the committee has determined that competing for points outside one's biological sex undermines fairness, then the same fairness concern applies to all swimmers in that heat and event.”

— Michael Mulé, Parent and former coach (Email to coach Mike Walsh)

“This is not simply a matter of personal preference – there is compelling developmental research supporting the need to protect children from being placed in situations that are beyond their emotional and cognitive maturity.”

— Michael Mulé, Parent and former coach (Email to the Northbridge Terrace Pool board)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the proposed rules to be adopted by the CCAA.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in sports, particularly in swimming where biological males have inherent physical advantages. It raises concerns about fairness, privacy, and the emotional well-being of young female swimmers, and underscores the need for clear policies that protect all athletes, regardless of gender identity.