Boise State’s women’s volleyball team forfeited its weekend match against San Jose State, citing player safety concerns.
“Boise State volleyball will not play its scheduled match at San José State on Saturday, Sept. 28,” the team stated, adding that per Mountain West Conference rules, the match will be marked as a loss for Boise State.
With an 8-5 overall record and 0-1 in conference play, Boise State is set to face Air Force on October 3.
Boise State women’s volleyball announces it will not play San Jose State because the team’s best player is a male.
Sources close to the situation tell me the players have the complete support of the school, coaches and parents. pic.twitter.com/bICfJgwBLU
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 27, 2024
Outkick reporter David Hookstead revealed that sources claimed the forfeit happened because San Jose State’s best player is a male. He noted the school, coaches, and parents fully supported the players’ decision.
The team received significant backing from Idaho officials, including Governor Brad Little, who praised Boise State for upholding his Executive Order, the Defending Women’s Sports Act. “We need to ensure player safety for all our female athletes and continue the fight for fairness in women’s sports,” Little stated.
Sen. James Risch (R-ID) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) expressed similar support. Risch commended Boise State for standing up for women in sports, while Crapo called the decision a defense of female athletes against a “woke agenda.” Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to maintain a level playing field for women’s sports.
