San Jose State University's women's volleyball team has advanced to the Mountain West Conference finals following Boise State's forfeiture of their semifinal match. This marks the third time this season that the Broncos have forfeited a match against the Spartans, having previously conceded their two regular-season encounters as well.

The forfeitures stem from the inclusion of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming on the SJSU roster, a player who has emerged as one of the conference's leading performers.

Blaire Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans during a game against the Air Force Falcons on October 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

The issue of transgender athletes competing in women's sports has sparked debate, with some arguing it creates an uneven playing field. However, a USA Today columnist has countered this perspective, asserting that those refusing to compete against transgender athletes pose the true threat, claiming they deprive their teammates of opportunities and inflict losses upon their teams.

This opinion piece drew considerable criticism online, with many challenging the columnist's viewpoint and expressing support for the athletes who chose to forfeit.

Blaire Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

Several Mountain West teams, including Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, and Nevada, canceled matches against the Spartans due to Fleming's presence on the team, accepting the resulting forfeit losses. These forfeitures ultimately contributed to SJSU securing a higher seed in the tournament.

A recent legal challenge to Fleming's participation was dismissed by a federal judge in Colorado. A group of twelve women, including a current and former SJSU volleyball players and athletes from other Mountain West schools, filed a lawsuit against the conference and its commissioner, claiming violations of Title IX and their First Amendment rights. The judge denied their motion for injunctive relief, allowing Fleming to continue competing.

Blaire Fleming (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)