San Jose State Volleyball Star Challenges NCAA Over Male Teammate

Brooke Slusser Speaks Out on NCAA Policy

On October 13, 2024, Megyn Kelly hosted a compelling interview with Brooke Slusser, a San Jose State University volleyball player, in a 'First Person' bonus episode on YouTube. Slusser, who has taken a bold stand by joining a lawsuit against the NCAA, shared her experience of playing alongside a biological male teammate, Blaire Fleming. She expressed deep concerns over fairness and safety in women’s sports, detailing how she was unaware of her teammate’s biological status when she transferred to the university. Her decision to speak out publicly has sparked significant discussion about NCAA policies on transgender athletes in women’s collegiate sports.

Unforeseen Challenges on the Team

During the interview, Slusser explained that she was never informed about Fleming’s status prior to joining the San Jose State women’s volleyball team. She described the shock of discovering this information and the subsequent challenges of sharing living spaces and traveling accommodations with a biological male teammate. Around the 5:30 mark, Slusser highlighted the physical differences she observed during practices and games, noting that these differences created an uneven playing field. She emphasized that her concern was not personal but rooted in the principle of fair competition for female athletes who have trained under specific expectations of equity in women’s sports.

The Decision to Join the Lawsuit

Slusser’s frustration with the NCAA’s policies led her to join a lawsuit aimed at challenging the organization’s rules regarding transgender athletes. At approximately the 12:45 point in the video, she discussed how the lawsuit, supported by the group ICONS Women, seeks to address what she sees as a violation of Title IX protections for female athletes. Slusser believes that the NCAA’s current stance undermines the opportunities and safety of women in sports. Her legal action is not just about her personal experience but about setting a precedent for future generations of female athletes who deserve a level playing field.

Reactions from Coaches and Teammates

The response to Slusser’s public stance has been mixed, as she revealed during the conversation with Megyn Kelly. Around the 20:10 mark, she shared that while some teammates and coaches privately supported her, others distanced themselves due to fear of backlash. Slusser also faced direct confrontation from Fleming after going public, describing the interaction as tense but necessary to express her perspective. Additionally, she has received death threats and faced harassment, which she discussed near the 25:00 timestamp, underscoring the personal toll of her decision to speak out. Despite this, she remains resolute in her position.

Broader Impact and Support from Other Schools

One of the most striking aspects of Slusser’s story is the solidarity shown by other schools. At roughly the 30:15 point in the interview, she praised the bravery of several Division I women’s volleyball teams that have forfeited matches against San Jose State in protest of the NCAA’s policy allowing a biological male to compete on a women’s team. This collective action by other institutions has amplified the debate, drawing attention to the need for clearer guidelines that prioritize fairness in women’s sports. Slusser views these forfeitures as a powerful statement in support of female athletes’ rights.

A Call for Fairness in Women’s Sports

Throughout the interview, Slusser reiterated her belief that Title IX exists to protect opportunities for women in sports, a point she emphasized around the 35:40 mark. Her lawsuit and public statements are driven by a desire to ensure that female athletes are not disadvantaged by policies that fail to account for biological differences. The discussion with Megyn Kelly highlighted broader concerns among athletes and advocates who argue that current NCAA rules may compromise the integrity of women’s competitions. Slusser’s story is a rallying cry for those who believe in preserving the distinct nature of women’s sports.

As this issue continues to unfold, Brooke Slusser’s courage in addressing an uncomfortable topic has brought much-needed attention to the intersection of policy, fairness, and safety in collegiate athletics. Her interview with Megyn Kelly serves as a platform for a wider conversation about how governing bodies like the NCAA can balance inclusivity with the foundational principles of competitive equity for female athletes.