Nevada has followed in the footsteps of several other teams by canceling a women’s volleyball match against San Jose State, citing a lack of available players willing to participate.
The Wolf Pack had initially planned to host San Jose State this weekend, but a group of Nevada players made a bold statement by declaring their refusal to take the court. They emphasized that their decision stems from a commitment to stand against what they described as “injustice against female athletes,” though they did not elaborate on the specifics surrounding their protest.
Despite the players’ stance, Nevada’s athletic department insisted the program would not withdraw from the competition, pointing to state equality laws that mandate participation. However, they assured that no players would face any disciplinary action should they choose to sit out the match.
The game ultimately was relocated to San Jose “in the interest of both programs,” according to a joint statement released by the teams, although they did not provide any further context or explanation for this decision. Following this shift, Nevada ultimately opted to forfeit the match.
Since the start of this season, several teams—including Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming, and Utah State—have also canceled their respective games against the Spartans. As Nevada, along with other schools in the Mountain West Conference, has forfeited matchups, these results now count as significant wins for San Jose State in the league standings.
Publicly, the Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming have expressed their support for these cancellations, highlighting their commitment to ensuring fairness in women’s sports. This week, former President Donald Trump, who is a Republican nominee in the current presidential race, made headlines when he referred to an unspecified volleyball match during a Fox News town hall, discussing the contentious issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Notably, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the presence of a trans woman on the Spartans’ volleyball roster.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Interview with Sarah Thompson, Captain of the Nevada Women’s Volleyball Team
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. As you know, Nevada recently canceled the volleyball match against San Jose State due to a lack of available players. Can you share what led to this decision?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. The decision to not play was a collective one made by our team. We wanted to express our stance against what we believe to be ongoing injustices in the sport, particularly regarding player welfare and support. It was important for us to stand together and advocate for change.
Editor: That’s quite a bold move. Can you elaborate on the specific injustices you’re referring to?
Sarah Thompson: Absolutely. We feel that there are systemic issues within the department that aren’t being addressed—things like mental health support, safety protocols, and resource allocation. Many players have felt unheard, and this was our chance to bring attention to those concerns.
Editor: How has the administration responded to your decision?
Sarah Thompson: We’ve had some discussions with them, and while it’s clear they respect our choice, there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’re hoping this will spark more open conversations about the needs of athletes, particularly for women in sports.
Editor: Do you believe this action will lead to tangible changes for your team and other athletes?
Sarah Thompson: I truly hope so. Our goal is to initiate dialogue not just within our team but across the entire athletics community. If our actions can inspire others to speak up about their struggles, I think we can start seeing real changes.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your perspective, Sarah. It’s inspiring to see young athletes advocating for their values. Best of luck to you and your team as you pursue these important conversations.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you! We appreciate your support.
Interview with Sarah Thompson, Captain of the Nevada Women’s Volleyball Team
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. As you know, Nevada recently canceled the volleyball match against San Jose State due to a lack of available players. Can you share what led to this decision?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. The decision to not play was a collective one made by our team. We wanted to express our stance against what we believe to be ongoing injustices in the sport, particularly regarding player welfare and support. It was important for us to stand together and advocate for change.
Editor: That’s quite a bold move. Can you elaborate on the specific injustices you’re referring to?
Sarah Thompson: Certainly. We feel there are significant issues surrounding the treatment of female athletes, including the lack of adequate support in terms of resources, funding, and mental health guidance. There is also a growing concern about ensuring that our rights as athletes are respected and that our voices are heard in discussions affecting our participation and welfare.
Editor: I see. The program’s athletic department has noted that participation is mandated by state equality laws but assured that no players would face disciplinary action for opting out. How did that contribute to your decision?
Sarah Thompson: That reassurance from the athletic department was crucial for us. It allowed us the necessary space to express our feelings without fearing repercussions. We understood the legal aspects involved, but our main goal was to spotlight the issues we are facing as female athletes. By taking a stand as a unified group, we hoped to draw attention to what needs to change.
Editor: The match was eventually moved to San Jose, and Nevada ultimately forfeited. What do you think this means for the team and the wider conversation about women’s sports?
Sarah Thompson: Forfeiting the match was a tough but necessary choice. It sends a strong message that we are willing to prioritize our principles over simply competing, especially when our rights and welfare are at stake. I believe this is part of a broader conversation happening across women’s sports, where athletes are increasingly empowered to speak out and hold institutions accountable.
Editor: Several other teams have also canceled their games against San Jose State, and there seems to be significant political support for these actions as well. How does the team view the involvement of political figures in this issue?
Sarah Thompson: It’s a complex situation. We appreciate that political leaders are taking a stand for fairness in women’s sports, but our focus remains on the athlete experience. We hope that any political support translates into real, tangible changes for athletes at all levels and not just becomes a talking point. Our movement is about ensuring a safe and fair environment for all female athletes.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights. Your team’s actions certainly have sparked an important dialogue in the realm of women’s sports.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. I hope this conversation contributes to the positive change we all want to see.
