California High School Seniors Sue Over Volleyball Team Policies
California high school seniors Hadeel Hazameh and Alyssa McPherson have initiated a lawsuit against their school district for alleged violations of Title IX concerning the girls’ volleyball team. The pair had left the team in September to express their discontent over the inclusion of transgender players.
Despite their decision to leave, they still wished to attend their team’s first state playoff game last Wednesday. However, they claimed that their coach, Liana Manu, did not allow them to sit on the bench with their teammates during the game.
After having sat with their team on Senior Night earlier in the month, both girls said that Manu had instructed them to ask her beforehand if they wanted to sit with the team again. Hazameh recalled asking, but the coach replied, “Unfortunately, no, not today.” She mentioned that Manu offered to discuss the matter post-game, but they chose not to engage.
“I texted her around 4:30 asking if I could sit on the bench,” McPherson recounted. “She didn’t respond.” Thus, the two bought tickets to watch the match from the stands and joined a group of protesters supporting the “Save Girls’ Sports” movement.
Videos capturing their experience during the match went viral, including one that caught the eye of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. It showcased two older women behind them making offensive gestures towards Hazameh and McPherson, while another clip showed other supporters cheering them on. Hazameh stated that one woman even yelled for him to stop filming.
In the end, Valencia defeated Jurupa Valley in straight sets, bringing an end to their season.
After the match, Hazameh and McPherson reflected on the events. McPherson expressed relief, stating, “I just wanted it all to be over. No one deserves to be knocked out of the playoffs because of an unfair advantage.” Hazameh shared similar sentiments, focusing on the effort made by the biological girls on the team.
It was unexpected for them to end their high school volleyball journey in such a way. Hazameh recounted feeling emotional as she revisited old text messages exchanged with a friend who had graduated. One message expressed hope for her senior year, contrasting with the difficult experiences she faced.
Both students reportedly received negative remarks on social media and unpleasant stares in school hallways, with McPherson alleging that even the principal contributed to this atmosphere by discouraging good sportsmanship.
Yet, despite these challenges, they believe in their cause. They plan to return to compete in women’s track and field in the spring, even if transgender athletes are also included. Hazameh reflected on her experience, noting that she has faced stiff competition from transgender athletes throughout her track career.
Both girls are eager to continue their athletic pursuits while their lawsuit against the school district is still pending. The Jurupa Unified School District and the Jurupa Valley High School Girls Volleyball Booster Club have yet to comment on the situation.
