California High School Volleyball Team Forfeits Match Over Controversial Trans Athlete Inclusion
In a notable incident in Riverside County, California, the girls’ volleyball team from Riverside Poly High School made the decision to forfeit their scheduled match against Jurupa Valley High School. The forfeit, announced on Friday night, has drawn significant attention due to the presence of a biological male trans athlete on the opposing team’s roster.
Riverside Poly High School issued a statement confirming the forfeit: "Our girls volleyball team will not participate in tonight’s game against Jurupa Valley High School. This match will be recorded as a forfeit in non-league standings. We understand this decision may be disappointing for our athletes, families, and supporters, and we appreciate the community’s understanding. Our commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for all student-athletes remains steadfast."
While the official statement did not disclose the reasons for the forfeit, Amanda Vickers, a member of the Riverside Unified School District board, suggested that the decision was influenced by the inclusion of trans athlete AB Hernandez on Jurupa Valley’s roster. Hernandez was a prominent figure in the previous season and continues to be a focal point in this year’s discussions. Vickers stated, "I believe the forfeit is because they are competing against AB Hernandez. Parents of players were even seen wearing ‘Save Girls Sports’ shirts, indicating they were prepared for a protest."
Vickers emphasized the importance of safety for female athletes, referencing the case of former high school volleyball player Payton McNabb, who suffered serious injuries after being struck by a spike from a trans athlete. "This issue highlights the differences between biological girls and boys, and we want to ensure that the girls of Riverside Poly High School are safe," she said.
In response to the forfeit, the Jurupa Unified School District stated, "We were informed that Riverside Poly High School canceled today’s girls volleyball match with Jurupa Valley High School. They did not provide a reason for this decision. We have no further comments at this time."
The Riverside area has become a focal point in the debate over trans athletes in girls’ sports, particularly following a lawsuit filed by two students at Martin Luther King High School. The lawsuit claimed that a trans athlete took one of the girls’ spots on the varsity cross-country team, leading to protests where students wore "Save Girls Sports" shirts.
Hernandez’s participation in sports has been a subject of national debate, especially during the athlete’s successful run in the California girls’ track and field championships. The event attracted protests from female athletes and their families, many of whom wore "Save Girls Sports" shirts. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, suggesting that the state should reconsider allowing trans athletes in competition.
A recent bipartisan survey from the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that a majority of residents oppose biological male trans athletes competing in women’s sports, with over 70% of parents supporting policies that require athletes to compete based on the sex assigned at birth.
This ongoing discussion highlights the complexities surrounding gender identity in sports and the impact on female athletes. As the conversation continues, Riverside Poly High School remains committed to ensuring a supportive environment for all its student-athletes.
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Author Bio: Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital, previously contributing to ESPN and Business Insider. He has covered major events such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals and has interviewed numerous sports icons.
