D The University of Nevada, Reno released a statement Monday confirming its decision to opt out of its upcoming women's volleyball game against San Jose State, which has been at the center of controversy because of a transgender player on the roster.
Outkick was originally reported On Monday, Wolf Pack players voted on whether they would face the Spartans on October 26. Despite an earlier statement from the athletic department stating that the school would play its scheduled game, the players voted to forfeit.
The university's statement on the matter confirmed the confiscation. However, it said the decision was made by the players, which “does not reflect the university's position.”
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Photo: NCAA Volleyball during the Division I Men's Volleyball Championships at Walter Pyramid on May 4, 2019 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by John W. McDonough/NCAA via Getty Images)
On October 13, 2024, most members of the University of Nevada Reno women's volleyball team sent a statement to the university informing the institution of the cancellation of the match played on October 26, 2024 against San Jose State University.
“Athlete decisions and statements were made independently and without consultation with the university or athletics department. The players' decisions also do not reflect the university's position,” the statement read.
“The University and its athletic programs are subject to the Nevada Constitution and the laws of the State of Nevada, which strictly protect equal rights under the law and that neither this State nor any political subdivision thereof shall deny or abridge equal rights on account of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, race or national origin are also subject to its rules and regulations. NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, which includes providing competition in an inclusive and supportive environment.
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“The University intends to continue the match as scheduled and players may elect not to participate in the match on the day of competition. No player will be subject to any team disciplinary action for deciding not to participate in the match.”
So unlike other universities that have given up on the Spartans, the Wolfpack will not give up before the players take the field. It happens on this day, which is at the Virginia Street Gym in their Reno home.
The band wrote its own exclusive statement to OutKick on the matter, demanding “our safety and right to fair competition in court.”
“We, the University of Nevada Reno women's volleyball team, lost to San Jose State University and stand in solidarity with the volleyball teams from Southern Utah University, Boise State University, University of Wyoming and Utah State University,” the team said in a statement. to read
“We demand that our right to safety and fair competition be recognized in court. We refuse to participate in any match where injustice is brought against the players.”
Front left and right, San Jose State setter Brooke Slusser celebrates scoring a point with libero Randlyn Reeves, outside hitter Blair Fleming and libero Alessia Buffagni during the first set of an NCAA college volleyball match against Colorado State, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at Ft. In Collins, Colorado. (AP Photo/Dawid Zalubowski)
Sia Lilio, a Wolf Pack student, told Outkick that the team was not happy when the university agreed to play the Spartans without consulting them.
“We were actually in Las Vegas getting ready to play our internal rival UNLV,” he said. “It was a really frustrating period, especially since we had an important match to play.”
Despite the university's stance, it's safe to assume the game will be forfeited, making the Wolf Pack the fifth school to do so. They will join Southern Utah, the first school to opt out, Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State.
Blair Fleming, a transgender player from San Jose State, was removed due to her presence on the roster. Fleming, who is in his third year with the Spartans, has been instrumental in helping San Jose State start the season 9-3.
They were 9-0 to start the year before losing three in a row to Colorado State, San Diego State and UNLV.
San Jose State head coach Todd Kress recently told the media that his players had received hate mail during the controversy, calling it “disgusting.”
Logo Nevady Wolfpack. (Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
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“Honestly, focusing on what we can do on the court has been very difficult lately,” Kress said. “There are outside forces that want to divide our team, our university, our conference and our game. I know it takes a toll on the players in our locker room who have worked hard over the years. We have an amazing group of young women who are creating controversy on the side while trying to preserve.”
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