University of Wyoming becomes 3rd women's volleyball team to forfeit to San Jose State over trans player

The University of Wyoming women’s volleyball team announced on Tuesday that it would be forfeiting its upcoming match against San Jose State University’s women’s team, which has a trans-identified male athlete on it. It is the third college to do so due to San Jose State’s trans-identified male player Blaire Fleming. 

San Jose State is currently 10-0 with their next game scheduled for October 3 against Colorado State. The game against the University of Wyoming was set to take place on October 5.

The University of Wyoming wrote in a statement Tuesday, "After a lengthy discussion, the University of Wyoming will not play its scheduled conference match against San José State University in the UniWyo Sports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 5. Per Mountain West Conference policy, the Conference will record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Wyoming. The Cowgirls will host Fresno State on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the UniWyo Sports Complex."

Boise State forfeited its September 28 match against the team, and Southern Utah withdrew from a match scheduled for September 14.

In a statement to OutKick, San Jose State said, "It is disappointing that our SJSU student athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being denied opportunities to compete. We are committed to supporting our student-athletes through these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment."

The University of Wyoming in late September had stated that it would be playing against the team. Chad Baldwin, UW spokesman, told Cowboy State Daily at the time, "The Athletic Department administration/coaching staff recently discussed the matter with the entire women’s volleyball team … including any potential safety concerns." He said that at that time, "No student-athletes expressed any concern regarding their safety."