Female Athletes Testify Against NCAA, Demand Stricter Measures on Trans Athletes in Women's Sports

In a pivotal legal standoff between the NCAA and the state of Texas, a group of women college athletes is stepping forward to testify against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. This testimony comes amidst the NCAA's recent policy changes and a growing national debate over fairness and inclusion in sports.

The issue has escalated since the NCAA revised its gender eligibility policy to align with a February executive order by President Donald Trump. While the adjustments aim to prevent biological males from competing in women's sports, critics argue the measures remain insufficient to fully address the concerns of female athletes.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action, suing the NCAA in late February and demanding mandatory gender verification for athletes. The first hearing in this case is set for Tuesday and will feature testimony from several athletes, including former San Jose State University volleyball player Brooke Slusser and former University of Kentucky swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler. These athletes, alongside others, are already involved in a separate lawsuit spearheaded by Riley Gaines and the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS).

Brooke Slusser’s entry into this legal battle stems from her personal experience with a transgender teammate. According to Slusser, her university failed to disclose the birth sex of her teammate, Blaire Fleming, leading to uncomfortable shared accommodations such as locker rooms and sleeping areas. Meanwhile, Kaitlynn Wheeler and Kylee Alons—both distinguished athletes—recount sharing facilities and competing alongside Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, during the 2022 NCAA championships.

The crux of Paxton’s lawsuit lies in the argument that the NCAA’s current policies allow loopholes for transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, particularly through amended birth certificates. He claims this undermines the integrity of women’s sports and misleads the public, stating, "When people watch a women’s volleyball game, for example, they expect to see women playing against other women, not biological males pretending to be something they are not."

It’s worth noting that U.S. states differ significantly on policies regarding birth certificate amendments. While 44 states permit changes to reflect a person’s gender identity, only a handful—like Texas and Florida—impose restrictions. This patchwork of regulations further complicates an already contentious debate.

The NCAA has publicly defended its policy, emphasizing that athletes assigned male at birth cannot compete in women’s events even with amended birth certificates. However, critics argue the organization’s official guidelines lack clarity on this matter, fueling ongoing skepticism and frustration among female athletes and their advocates.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the testimonies of athletes like Slusser, Wheeler, and Alons will likely shape the broader conversation. Their accounts of discomfort and perceived unfairness in competition highlight the personal stakes in this complex issue, which is as much about identity and inclusion as it is about fairness and integrity.

For now, all eyes are on Texas as it challenges the NCAA’s policies in court, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for the future of gender in sports nationwide.