Former Utah State Volleyball Player Says Trans Opponent Caused Teammate Injuries

Kaylie Ray claims her teammates sustained "minor injuries" competing against transgender player Blaire Fleming.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:25am

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A former player on the Utah State University women's volleyball team, Kaylie Ray, has spoken out about the challenges her team faced competing against a transgender opponent, Blaire Fleming, from San Jose State University. Ray claims some of her teammates "sustained minor injuries" while playing against Fleming, who Ray says had clear physical advantages over the other players.

Why it matters

This story touches on the ongoing debate around transgender athletes competing in women's sports, with concerns about potential physical advantages and safety issues. It highlights the personal experiences and perspectives of athletes directly impacted by these policies.

The details

According to Ray, she and her Utah State teammates competed against Blaire Fleming, a transgender player from San Jose State, for two years in 2022 and 2023. Ray claims her teammates "had seriously jammed their fingers, luckily not broken, but a handful of girls who had sustained minor injuries" from playing against Fleming. Ray says even before it was confirmed Fleming was biologically male, her teammates "had their suspicions" due to Fleming's "athleticism, explosiveness, and a power that is just not matched by any of the other athletes."

  • Kaylie Ray competed against Blaire Fleming for two years in 2022 and 2023.
  • Ray spoke about her experiences during an Arizona Senate Education Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The players

Kaylie Ray

A former player on the women's volleyball team at Utah State University.

Blaire Fleming

A transgender player who competed on the women's volleyball team at San Jose State University.

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What they’re saying

“I had teammates who had seriously jammed their fingers, luckily not broken, but a handful of girls who had sustained minor injuries from the male player.”

— Kaylie Ray, Former Utah State Volleyball Player

“When this player was presented to us, even on film, the immediate reaction is 'who,' adding that it was 'so obvious' that Fleming had 'athleticism, explosiveness, and a power that is just not matched by any of the other athletes.”

— Kaylie Ray, Former Utah State Volleyball Player

What’s next

The Arizona Senate Education Committee will likely continue to discuss the issue of transgender athletes competing in women's sports following Kaylie Ray's testimony.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around fairness and safety concerns for cisgender female athletes competing against transgender opponents who may have inherent physical advantages. It underscores the need for policymakers to carefully balance inclusion and equity in women's sports.