Ex-volleyball player Kaylie Ray responds to comments made by an Arizona state senator.

Kaylee Ray, a former Utah State volleyball player, is now viewed as a key figure in the Save Women’s Sports movement after her clash with Arizona Senator Katherine Miranda. Ray spoke during a hearing aimed at preserving girls’ and women’s sports in Arizona, sharing her insights from the San Jose State volleyball incident where her team withdrew in protest of male players.

During the hearing, Miranda remarked on Ray’s appearance, questioning her competitiveness, which left Ray frustrated. “How can you look me in the eye and ask me if I’m competitive? Obviously, I’m standing in front of you right now fighting for something. I don’t know what part of that is not competitive for you. But if you want to go head-to-head, we can go head-to-head,” Ray later recounted.

As the hearing progressed, Ray focused on maintaining her professionalism despite her rising irritation. “I was just trying to remain respectful and civil, but inside I was frustrated,” she mentioned. Afterward, she even called her parents to express her feelings.

When Miranda began her remarks, she commented, “You look very healthy…You look very healthy and strong,” leaving Ray uncertain about the intent behind such comments. “As she continued, it became clear that my appearance was somehow meant to impact how competitive I could be against men,” Ray recalled, feeling blindsided by the senator’s comments.

Miranda’s office has not addressed the situation. FOX News Digital has made multiple attempts to reach out for a response. Ray expressed her skepticism towards Miranda’s willingness to clarify, noting, “They usually hide things and run away when they realize they’ve gone a little off topic. It wasn’t a logical argument at all.”

In response to Ray, Miranda mentioned her own experiences playing with boys, emphasizing the individuality of competitive spirit but avoided using terms like “transgender” or gender-specific language. “It’s about the sports mentality you have growing up and how competitive you are…I would have welcomed playing against guys,” she claimed.

Miranda previously shared that sports were a significant part of her life during her childhood, playing alongside her brother. Ray countered that while she too has brothers, the dynamics shift dramatically by the time puberty occurs, asserting that high-level sports demand different considerations. “It’s ridiculous that I have to explain that to her,” Ray added.

Ray indicated she would accept an apology from Miranda, recognizing that the senator might come from a place of ignorance. “If she gave me a sincere apology, I would accept it. There needs to be some action on her part to show that she understands the truth,” Ray concluded.