The inclusion of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming on the San Jose State University (SJSU) women's volleyball team continues to generate controversy and legal challenges. A recent hearing in Boise, Idaho, for the proposed Fairness in Women's Sports Act featured testimonies detailing the experiences of female athletes during the 2024 season.

Multiple players are suing SJSU and the Mountain West Conference, alleging the university concealed Fleming's biological sex and prioritized Fleming for a roster spot and scholarship over female athletes. This situation reportedly caused both emotional and financial hardship for the affected players.

While Fleming led the Spartans to the Mountain West Championship game, eight of SJSU's matches were forfeited by opposing teams due to the controversy, including a crucial semifinal match against Boise State. Boise State's decision to forfeit three matches against SJSU was commended during the hearing.

April Cheney, a parent of a player in the conference, criticized the NCAA, the Mountain West Conference, and university officials for not protecting women's sports. She expressed disappointment over the lost eligibility, forfeited matches recorded as losses, and a tainted championship.

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and advocate for women's sports, shared insights based on conversations with the players. She described how the players felt pressured and fearful of speaking out against the inclusion of transgender athletes. According to Gaines, Boise State was the only university that offered administrative support to players who wanted to forfeit.

Marshi Smith, co-founder of the Independent Council on Women's Sports, testified that players involved in the lawsuit feared retaliation from their university if they voiced concerns. She elaborated that SJSU administrators allegedly told players to remain silent, claiming it was Fleming’s story to tell.

SJSU maintains that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. Smith also alleges that players at the University of Nevada, Reno, were threatened with legal repercussions if they refused to play against SJSU. Nevada initially insisted on playing the match to comply with state anti-discrimination laws but ultimately canceled due to player protests.

Despite several forfeits, numerous players were still compelled to compete against Fleming, some unaware of Fleming's biological sex. Louisiana Tech's coach confirmed her team was uninformed until after their match. SJSU co-captain Brooke Slusser, who leads the lawsuit, described the season as "traumatic." The lawsuit includes numerous other players and a former assistant coach.

SJSU acknowledged a mass exodus of volleyball players into the transfer portal, stating they respect the athletes' decisions regarding their careers.