Puyallup Teen Wrestler Alleges Sexual Assault by Opponent

School administration accused of failing to properly investigate and report the incident

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 16-year-old female high school wrestler in Puyallup, Washington has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a 190-pound transgender wrestler during a match in December 2025. The victim, Kallie Keeler, claims the opponent pressed his fingers into her inappropriately for several seconds, causing her to forfeit the match. Keeler reported the incident to school officials and her coach, but the family alleges the school administration failed to properly investigate or report the assault to authorities in a timely manner as required by law.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and fairness of allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports, as well as the importance of schools properly investigating and reporting all allegations of sexual assault. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of mandatory reporters and the need for clear policies to protect student-athletes.

The details

According to the report, Keeler was wrestling against a 190-pound transgender wrestler when the alleged assault occurred. Video footage shows the opponent's hand between Keeler's legs, causing her visible distress. Keeler claims the opponent pressed his fingers into her for several seconds, leading her to forfeit the match shortly after. Keeler reported the incident to school officials and her coach two days later, but the family says the school administration failed to take meaningful action or report the assault to authorities until nearly two months later, well past the 48-hour reporting requirement under Washington law.

  • The alleged assault occurred on December 6, 2025 during a high school wrestling match.
  • Keeler reported the incident to school officials and her coach two days later, on December 8, 2025.
  • The school administration did not report the alleged assault to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office until January 30, 2026, nearly two months after the incident.

The players

Kallie Keeler

A 16-year-old sophomore at Rogers High School in Puyallup, Washington who has alleged she was sexually assaulted by a transgender wrestler during a match.

Keith Swank

The Pierce County Sheriff who confirmed the investigation into the alleged assault is underway.

Puyallup School District

The school district where the alleged assault took place, which has been accused of failing to properly investigate and report the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This series of events suggests that a number of Rogers High School staff and employees knew about Kallie's allegation of sexual assault and didn't do anything with it.”

— Brandi Kruse, Host of the unDivided podcast (unDivided podcast)

“We're grateful to the unDivided podcast for holding the Puyallup School District accountable and forcing the case to be moved to the Pierce County Sheriff's office for investigation. How many young women have to be assaulted, violated, bullied, mocked, or even sued before the state takes action to protect them?”

— Brian Heywood, Founder of Let's Go Washington (Let's Go Washington)

What’s next

The Pierce County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the case to determine if any charges will be filed against the alleged perpetrator.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in properly investigating and responding to allegations of sexual assault, as well as the broader debate around transgender athletes competing in girls' sports and the need for clear policies to protect student-athletes.