The NCAA women’s volleyball tournament experienced a remarkable surge in viewership, with President Charlie Baker proclaiming a 100% increase in TV ratings compared to the previous year. This impressive growth follows a similar trend in 2023, when ratings soared by 115% from 2022. Baker attributed this surge to the public’s inherent love for competition and highlighted the need to shift away from the “non-revenue” label often attached to sports beyond football and basketball. This positive news comes as the tournament reaches its climactic semifinals, featuring powerhouse programs like Pittsburgh, Louisville, Penn State, and Nebraska.
However, the 2024 season was not without its controversies. San Jose State University’s volleyball team found itself at the center of a national debate involving the inclusion of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming. Player Brooke Slusser filed lawsuits against both the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, alleging that she and other teammates were compelled to compete against Fleming without being informed of Fleming’s assigned sex at birth. This situation prompted seven regular-season forfeits and a conference tournament semifinal forfeit, an unprecedented occurrence in the sport’s history.
The controversy surrounding Fleming’s participation sparked intense reactions, including threats against Slusser, necessitating police protection for the team at all matches. The issue even reached the political arena, drawing criticism from prominent figures like Donald Trump. San Jose State’s handling of the situation also came under scrutiny, with the university confirming that opponents were notified only of the need for increased security, not of Fleming’s transgender status.
Legal challenges further complicated the matter. Slusser and other players sought an injunction to prevent Fleming from participating in the Mountain West tournament. However, Colorado District Judge Kato Crews denied the request, stating that it was unreasonable and would disrupt established plans and prejudice other participating teams. Fleming, Slusser, and the San Jose State Spartans subsequently competed in the tournament, benefiting from several forfeits by other teams, including two by Boise State due to Idaho’s executive order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports. Boise State forfeited a third time, in the semi-final, sending San Jose State to the championship match.
Ultimately, San Jose State’s season concluded with a loss to Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference championship game, preventing the team from qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Head coach Todd Kress addressed the turmoil surrounding the season, emphasizing the hateful messages directed at players and staff following each forfeit announcement. This controversial backdrop underscored the complex intersection of sports, gender identity, and legal battles playing out in the collegiate athletic landscape.
The controversy surrounding San Jose State and Blaire Fleming highlights the ongoing debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. While the NCAA has established guidelines for transgender participation, varying interpretations and state laws have created a fragmented landscape. This situation underscores the challenges faced by athletes, coaches, and administrators as they navigate this evolving terrain. The debate is likely to continue as society grapples with the implications of gender identity in competitive sports. The increase in viewership for the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament demonstrates the growing interest in the sport, but this season’s controversy showcases the complexities underlying this growth.
The juxtaposition of rising viewership and the San Jose State controversy presents a complex picture of women’s volleyball. While the sport is experiencing increased popularity and visibility, it is also grappling with fundamental questions about fairness, inclusion, and the rights of all athletes. The resolution of these issues will likely shape the future of women’s volleyball and other collegiate sports for years to come. The NCAA and its member institutions will need to navigate these challenges carefully to ensure a level playing field while respecting the rights and dignity of all involved. The path forward remains uncertain, but the dialogue surrounding these issues is crucial for the continued growth and evolution of college athletics.
