Nevada Wolf Pack women’s volleyball captain Sia Li’ili’i has been named an ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum after leading her team in refusing to face a trans athlete on the San Jose State team. The Wolf Pack held a press conference to address their school’s reluctance to forfeit a match against San Jose State, which had trans athlete Blaire Fleming on its roster. Li’ili’i and other players spoke out about the situation, with the team captain breaking down in tears as she shared her thoughts. Despite telling the athletic department they didn’t want to face Fleming and the Spartans weeks earlier, the university made the decision for them to play, which left the team feeling unsupported and vulnerable.
In an emotional statement, Li’ili’i expressed her disappointment with the lack of consultation and support from the university, as well as the potential risks involved in facing a male competitor in women’s sports. Now, as an ambassador for the IWF, she is speaking out against the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports, highlighting the unfair advantage it creates for female athletes who have worked hard to compete at the highest level. IWF president Carrie Lukas praised Li’ili’i for her advocacy and bravery in standing up for women’s rights in sports, expressing confidence that positive change can be achieved with individuals like Li’ili’i leading the charge.
Li’ili’i is a senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she has excelled as an outside hitter on the volleyball team. Throughout her four years at the university, she has amassed impressive statistics and has continued to perform at a high level this season. Several other teams, including Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming, and Utah State, have also chosen to forfeit matches against San Jose State due to the presence of Blaire Fleming on the roster. The controversy surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports has sparked a broader conversation about fairness, safety, and the protection of women’s spaces.
As an IWF ambassador, Li’ili’i joins a group of individuals who have been vocal in their concerns about current policies regarding women’s sports, including testifying before Congress about the implications of allowing biological males to compete in women’s private spaces. The ambassadors have highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of women’s sports and the principles of fairness and equality in athletic competitions. Li’ili’i’s decision to speak out on this issue reflects her dedication to preserving the opportunities and achievements of female athletes, both present and future, in a competitive and equitable environment.
The support and recognition of Li’ili’i’s advocacy efforts by the IWF and other organizations demonstrate the significance of her stance on this issue. By aligning herself with a group that is committed to protecting women’s rights and advocating for common sense policies, Li’ili’i is amplifying her voice and influence in the ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports. Her personal experiences and insights as a Division 1 athlete have contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges and concerns faced by female competitors in a rapidly evolving sports landscape. Through her role as an ambassador, Li’ili’i continues to champion the cause of women’s sports and the importance of maintaining fairness and equality in athletic competition.
