Tulsi Gabbard shows support for University of Nevada Wolf Pack women’s volleyball team protesting game against San Jose State over trans player

Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard showed support for several members of the University of Nevada women’s volleyball team after the players expressed their refusal to compete against San Jose State, citing concerns over the inclusion of a biological male on the opposing team. Nevada Governor Joe Lombard and Senate hopeful Sam Brown also joined in showing solidarity.

Gabbard and Brown were seen taking photos with the team following their victory over Utah State. Brown shared his support on X, stating, "They didn’t just win a game though. They are winning on the issue of protecting women’s sports. I’m so proud of them right now. This is a matter of safety, fairness and privacy.

"These women are leading, not only for themselves, but for future women’s sports,” Brown added.

The protest stems from outrage against San Jose State’s women’s team, which includes transgender-identifying player Blaire Fleming. Initially, the players said in a statement to Outkick that they were going to forfeit the match to “stand in solidarity” with teams like Southern Utah, Boise State, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State who did the same.

"We demand that our right to safety and fair competition on the court be upheld," the players said in a statement. "We refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes."

However, the University of Nevada later clarified that the team would not forfeit, and the decision to protest was made independently by the players without consultation with the school or its athletic department. The university did go on to clarify that no players would be “subject to any team disciplinary action for their decision not to participate in the match.”

Nevada's team captain, Sia Liilii, told the Reno Gazette Journal that the team is focused on equal opportunity and fair play on the court. She clarified that the players still intend to not play despite the statement made by the university. 

“Women have fought so hard to get to the point where we are, playing D1 volleyball and having matches like this,” Liilii said. “For someone who is a biological male to come in is not fair.”

Following Nevada's game against Utah State, Gabbard was seen talking to Liilii, telling the collegiate athlete she was "proud" of her.