A California girls’ high school volleyball team has ignited national controversy after choosing to forfeit rather than play against an opponent with a transgender athlete on its roster.
Riverside Poly High School confirmed its girls’ volleyball team would not take the court against Jurupa Valley High School, where trans teen AB Hernandez plays. While no official reason was cited, parents and a school board member told reporters the decision stemmed from concerns over the athlete’s participation.
The move drew swift reaction from women’s sports advocates and former players who have experienced similar situations firsthand.
Payton Mcnabb: “They Were Put in a Situation No Young Athlete Should Ever Face”
Former high school standout Payton McNabb knows the risks all too well. In 2022, she suffered permanent brain damage after being spiked in the head by a male competitor during a match.
“I applaud these girls! They were put in a situation no young athlete should ever face – choosing between their safety and their sport. I’ve been there. I still live with the consequences of being injured by a male athlete on the court. There’s a reason the boys’ net is seven inches higher – because the game is different,” McNabb said.
“What these girls did took real courage, and it’s devastating that they’re the ones paying the price for decisions made by adults.”
College Players Echo Support: “It Takes Courage to Stand Up”
Riverside Poly’s forfeit resonated with former college athletes who previously faced similar controversies.
San Jose State University became the center of debate last year when multiple teams refused to play against trans athlete Blaire Fleming, resulting in several forfeited matches.
One of those teams was the University of Wyoming, which gave up an October 5 matchup. Former Wyoming player Macey Boggs praised the California team’s decision.
“It takes courage to stand up. I’m so proud of them for doing what is right. Women fought for us in the past and it’s time for this generation to step up and fight for the women to come. It is refreshing to see this and very encouraging. I look up to these women. And I will continue to stand unapologetically for the truth with them,” Boggs said.
Nevada Captain: “I stand with the Riverside Poly Volleyball team”
At the University of Nevada, Reno, players clashed with administrators last season when they sought to forfeit against San Jose State. Initially denied, the team ultimately withdrew from the game a day before it was scheduled, citing too few players to compete.
The standoff placed team captain Sia Liilii at the center of the national debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. She addressed lawmakers, delivered speeches, and became a prominent voice on the issue.
Now, Liilii is standing with Riverside Poly.
“I would like to applaud the Riverside Poly Volleyball team for standing up for themselves by sacrificing a loss for the future of girls’ and women’s sports. I would also like to commend its school administration for prioritizing the rights and safety of their female student athletes, something I was not afforded by my university when faced with this situation. I am proud to say I stand with the Riverside Poly Volleyball team!” she said.
National Spotlight on AB Hernandez
AB Hernandez, the Jurupa Valley athlete at the center of the forfeited match, has already been a lightning rod in statewide debates. In May, Hernandez drew widespread attention during California’s girls’ track and field championships, where protests erupted and “Save Girls Sports” shirts filled the stands.
The controversy even prompted a response from former President Donald Trump, who issued a Truth Social post warning against trans participation at the finals. While Hernandez was not directly named, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) quickly amended policies to allow female athletes to be bumped up in placement if they finished behind a transgender competitor.
As a result, Hernandez shared top podium spots in high jump and triple jump and placed second in long jump.
The battle has since escalated into the courts. In July, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California’s Department of Education and CIF, challenging policies that allow biological males to compete in girls’ sports—despite Trump signing an executive order earlier this year to prohibit it.
Jurupa Valley Responds
Jurupa Valley High School issued a brief statement after Riverside Poly’s forfeit.
“We were notified that Riverside Poly High School canceled today’s scheduled girls volleyball match with Jurupa Valley High School. They did not disclose the reason. We have no additional comment at this time,” the school said.
Jurupa Valley is scheduled to return to the court on August 25 against Rim of the World High School.
