Three University of Wyoming volleyball players have taken a courageous stand for fairness in women’s sports by joining a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference (MWC), alleging violations of Title IX and constitutional rights.
This bold move, spearheaded by Macey Boggs, Sierra Grizzle, and Jordan Sandy, comes amid mounting controversy surrounding the inclusion of a transgender player on San Jose State University’s (SJSU) volleyball team.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in a Colorado district court, argues that the inclusion of the SJSU player violates Title IX protections that ensure equal opportunities for female athletes. Additionally, the suit claims that the MWC and SJSU suppressed dissenting opinions and manipulated rules to enforce their transgender participation policy, infringing on First and 14th Amendment rights.
“Recently, the MWC, SJSU, and the other defendants have collectively manipulated MWC rules, diminished sport opportunities for women, spread inaccurate information, used their positions to chill and suppress speech with which they disagree, and punished dozens of female collegiate volleyball student-athletes for taking a public stand for their right to compete in a separate sports category,” the lawsuit states.
Wyoming’s decision to forfeit both matches against SJSU this season highlights the seriousness of the issue. While this choice has hurt the Cowgirls’ playoff chances, it underscores their commitment to upholding the integrity of women’s sports.
The Cowgirls are not alone. Teams from Boise State, Nevada, Utah State, and Southern Utah have also refused to play against SJSU, making a powerful statement in defense of female athletes. This collective action challenges the MWC’s transgender participation policy, which plaintiffs argue was hastily created after Boise State became the first team to forfeit against SJSU.
Despite the controversy, SJSU has continued to field the player in question, Blaire Fleming, who ranks among the conference leaders in kills per set. The Spartans have secured a tournament berth, but the legitimacy of their participation is now under legal scrutiny.
For Wyoming, the stakes are incredibly high. With a 6–9 conference record, the Cowgirls face an uphill battle to secure a postseason spot, needing to win their remaining three matches while hoping Boise State falters in its final games. This challenge is compounded by the decision to forfeit, which some argue has jeopardized their chances.
However, the Cowgirls’ actions reflect a principled stance that goes beyond wins and losses. For five Wyoming seniors, this season represents their final chance to compete for a Mountain West title and an NCAA tournament berth. Yet, they have chosen to prioritize fairness over their own athletic aspirations, a decision that speaks volumes about their integrity and commitment to the future of women’s sports.
Critics may point to Wyoming’s earlier losses as missed opportunities, but such arguments overlook the larger issue at hand. The Cowgirls’ stand is about ensuring that generations of female athletes can compete on a level playing field, free from the complexities and controversies now surrounding the sport.
As SJSU co-captain and fellow plaintiff Brooke Slusser explained, this fight is about more than the current season.
“It has to do with the generations of girls coming through wanting to play Division I sports and making that change for them,” she said in an interview.
The lawsuit requests emergency injunctive relief ahead of the Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament later this month, aiming to address the issue before postseason play begins. Whatever the outcome, the actions of the Wyoming volleyball players have sparked an important conversation about fairness, inclusion, and the future of women’s sports.
With input from Wyoming Tribune Eagle and Casper Star Tribune.
