Utah State Volleyball cancels match against San Jose State, becomes fourth team to do so

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — The Utah State University women’s volleyball team has canceled their Oct. 23 match against San Jose State, becoming the fourth team this year to do so amid controversy over an SJSU athlete’s gender.

Southern Utah University, Boise State University, and Wyoming all forfeited matches against San Jose State’s team, according to statements from the three athletic departments. None of the three schools gave specific reasoning as to why.

Over in Atlanta, several student-athletes are suing the NCAA, challenging Title IX protections for female athletes, according to reporting from KRON . In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, athletes suing over the Title IX protections include SJSU’s co-captain for volleyball Brooke Slusser, and former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines.

Gov. Spencer Cox stated on X, formerly Twitter , that he supports USU’s forfeiture.

“Our female athletes are left grappling with this difficult issue because the NCAA has failed in its responsibility to protect female athletes and women’s sports,” he wrote. “It’s time for the NCAA to take this seriously and protect our female student-athletes.”

Mike Schultz, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives also took to X supporting SUU and USU women’s volleyball.

“To the Utah State and Southern Utah Women Volleyball teams: We stand behind you and are cheering you on! Thank you for standing up for not only yourselves but for women across the country – current and future generations,” Schultz said.

Wyoming canceled its Oct. 5 matchup with SJSU Tuesday afternoon with the prior two cancellations in September. SUU canceled on Sept. 14 and Boise State on Sept. 28.

According to KRON , Slusser claimed she overheard a teammate saying Blaire Fleming was transgender. Slusser alleges SJSU players were told not to speak about Fleming’s gender with people outside the team.

ABC4.com has reached out to USU for comment but has yet to hear back.

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