High school girls in California are preparing for the most important meet of their lives this weekend as they compete at the state track and field championship in Clovis an event that’s drawing national attention. The meet is also becoming a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over transgender athletes in girls’ sports, with a transgender competitor scheduled to participate in multiple events. Demonstrations from spectators are expected, while it remains uncertain if any athletes themselves will take a stand.
Paula Scanlan
Several former female athletes who’ve spoken out against trans inclusion in women’s sports have voiced support for the girls at the Clovis meet, urging them to protest against the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Among them is former UPenn swimmer Riley Scanlan, who previously competed alongside Lia Thomas during the 2021–22 season. Scanlan, the first UPenn female swimmer to oppose the school’s policies, criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and praised the Trump administration for addressing the issue.
“This is a defining moment for California,” Scanlan said. “Even Democrats are seeing the damage. Newsom is out of touch with women, and I stand with these athletes as they push back.”
Stephanie Turner
April Turner, a fencer who made headlines for refusing to compete against a trans athlete, echoed that support. She condemned CIF for allowing male athletes in girls’ competitions, claiming it has negatively impacted female students’ athletic and academic futures. Turner praised Katie McGuinness, a standout from La Cañada High School, who finished second behind a trans athlete at a recent sectional and has called on CIF to revise its policies.
“These young women are incredibly brave,” Turner said. “Katie is right this is urgent. CIF needs to scrap its trans policies and follow Title IX and federal orders.”
Payton McNabb
Payton McNabb, who suffered a brain injury in a high school volleyball match against a trans player in 2022, also voiced her support. She encouraged Clovis competitors to speak out or even withdraw if they choose, arguing that fairness is being sacrificed for politics.
“You’ve trained for this, and now you’re being sidelined,” McNabb said. “Walking away or protesting is your right. Don’t stay silent.”
Selina Soule
Another voice supporting the athletes is Chelsea Soule, a former Connecticut high school runner who lost championship opportunities to trans athletes in 2018. Though she wouldn’t tell the girls to skip the meet, she supported peaceful demonstrations — especially if podium placements feel unfair.
“If I could speak to these girls, I’d tell them to give it their all,” Soule said. “And if you’re beaten unfairly, protest respectfully. Most Americans are behind you.”
Soule has since sued Connecticut over its policies, and her legal battle continues.
In California, several athletes have already made headlines for taking action. Reese Hogan of Crean Lutheran High stepped into the top spot on the podium after trans athlete AB Hernandez declined to stand there at a sectional event, and the video went viral. Earlier in the postseason, other athletes wore shirts reading “Protect Girls Sports” and carried protest signs. CIF officials later admitted to making some athletes remove the shirts.
Title IX legal expert Ryan Bangert warned CIF not to retaliate against protesting athletes, stating that doing so could violate the First Amendment.
“California is bound by the Constitution like any other state,” Bangert said. “If CIF officials try to silence or punish these girls for speaking out, there could be legal consequences. These athletes should be fully aware of their rights.”
Be the first to comment