San Jose State Volleyball Player at Center of Transgender Challenge Will Continue To Play

A San Jose State University volleyball player who has been at the center of a transgender challenge will continue to play for the team, the school announced Monday.

The player, who was born male but identifies as female, has been playing for the team since she transferred from a junior college earlier this year. She has met all of the NCAA’s requirements to compete on a women’s team.

The NCAA ruled that the player would be eligible to play for the Spartans, after having her testosterone levels tested prior to joining the team. Those tests revealed her testosterone levels to be below the NCAA’s limit for women, and thus she would be eligible to compete.

The NCAA’s Policy on Transgender Athletes

The NCAA’s policy on transgender athletes states that transgender athletes must have completed one year of hormone therapy before they can compete on a women’s team. The policy also states that transgender athletes must have their testosterone levels tested prior to competing. If their testosterone levels are below the NCAA’s limit for women, they are eligible to compete.

The Player’s Story

The player, who has not been publicly identified, has said that she has always identified as female. She began hormone therapy in 2018, and she has had her testosterone levels tested prior to joining the team. Those tests revealed her testosterone levels to be below the NCAA’s limit for women.

The Future of Transgender Athletes in Sports

The NCAA’s policy on transgender athletes is still evolving. There is likely to be continued debate over the issue in the years to come. However, the NCAA’s current policy is that transgender athletes who meet the NCAA’s requirements are eligible to compete.