The Boise State women’s volleyball team announced on Friday that it would forfeit its match over the weekend against San Jose State.
“Boise State volleyball will not play its scheduled match at San José State on Saturday, Sept. 28,” the team said in a statement. “Per Mountain West Conference policy, the Conference will record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Boise State.”
The team, 8-5 overall and 0-1 in the Mountain West Conference, will play their next game against Air Force on October 3.
Outkick sports reporter David Hookstead said that sources told him that the team forfeited the game “because the team’s best player is a male.”
“Sources close to the situation tell me the players have the complete support of the school, coaches and parents,” he added.
Boise State women’s volleyball announces it will not play San Jose State because the team’s best player is a male.
Sources close to the situation tell me the players have the complete support of the school, coaches and parents. pic.twitter.com/bICfJgwBLU
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 27, 2024
Online, the team received overwhelming support from their governor, U.S. Senators, and Representatives.
“I applaud @BoiseState for working within the spirit of my Executive Order, the Defending Women’s Sports Act,” said Governor Brad Little. “We need to ensure player safety for all of our female athletes and continue the fight for fairness in women’s sports.”
“Kudos to @BoiseState for taking a stand for women in sports!” said Sen. James Risch (R-ID). “Idaho’s hardworking, talented female athletes deserve a fair playing field where they can compete and WIN.”
Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) posted on X: “The safety of Idaho’s female athletes is paramount to the appeasement of a woke agenda. @BoiseState made the right call.”
Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) said on social media that men should not be allowed to compete against women in sports.
“I commend @BoiseState for their decision to protect women in sports and ensure a level playing field for their athletes!” he added.