Two California volleyball players refuse to play with trans teammate
High School Volleyball Players Refuse to Play Alongside Trans Athlete
Two high school girls’ volleyball players in California are taking a stand against their team rostering a biological male trans athlete. Alyssa McPherson and Hadeel Hazameh of Jurupa Valley High School in Riverside County, California have decided to sit out games until the situation is resolved.
McPherson expressed her concerns, stating, “Deciding to sit out was a difficult decision to make because I love this sport and I love to compete, but this current situation with a biological male on the team is very unsafe and unfair not only for me, but all female athletes.”
Hazameh echoed McPherson’s sentiments, saying, “Although sitting out was a very difficult decision for me because of how much I love this sport, I don’t feel comfortable sharing the locker room nor the court with a biological male because I chose to play on a girls volleyball team, and it’s just unfair and unsafe to everyone being affected by this situation.”
Jurupa Valley High School girls’ volleyball players Hadeel Hazameh (left) and Alyssa McPherson (right) say they won’t compete as long as a trans athlete is on their team.
(Courtesy of Jessica Tapia)
Opposing teams have forfeited games to Jurupa Valley this season, with at least four confirmed forfeits. The ongoing controversy surrounding the trans athlete, AB Hernandez, has brought national attention to the school.
The school district has responded to the players’ statements, emphasizing their commitment to upholding laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. California law allows biological males to compete in girls’ high school sports, a decision that has sparked debate and legal action.
Transgender athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley watches during the girls triple jump at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School on May 24, 2025, in Moorpark, California.
(Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
The issue of transgender athletes in high school sports has become a contentious topic, with legal battles and conflicting policies at the state and federal levels. As the debate continues, McPherson and Hazameh’s decision to sit out serves as a powerful statement on the complexities of gender identity and athletic competition.
