California HS Forfeits Girls' Volleyball Match Due to Transgender Player

Stone Ridge Christian High School has opted to end its girls’ volleyball season and forfeit an upcoming match rather than compete against San Francisco Waldorf, a team that allegedly has a transgender player.

The team had just advanced to the post-season playoffs after a successful season, however Stone Ridge Christian high school’s administrator, Julie Fagundes, sent a letter to  parents explaining that they would not be continuing in the playoffs due to the transgender player on the opposing team.

Her letter read, “At SRC, we believe God's Word is authoritative and infallible. It is Truth. And as Genesis makes clear, God wonderfully and immutably created each person as male or female. We do not believe sex is changeable and we do not intend to participate in events that send a different message.”

Fagundes said that her concern over playing the match went beyond her religion. She believed the school had, “a duty and responsibility to care for the health and safety of our athletes.” She concluded by writing, “So after consulting with our students, coaches, and staff, we have made the difficult decision to forfeit Saturday's game.” 

The reaction to Stone Ridge Christian’s forfeiture has been mixed, with supporters taking to X to weigh in on the decision. The team also faces the possibility of future sanctions as a result. A spokesperson from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) said, “Any team that withdraws from CIF playoffs is subject to sanctions at both the Section and State levels. No decision has been made at this time regarding future sanctions.”

CIF also addresses the inclusion of transgender players on their website. In California, student-athletes may participate on the team that aligns with their gender identity. Because of this, the transgender teammate on the San Francisco Waldorf team is not violating any state or district rules.