AB Hernandez’s teammate comments on rival teams dropping out

The players from a California high school volleyball team have recently shared their thoughts about several teams forfeiting matches against them this season. The Jurupa Valley High School team has seen competitors opt out of games, which has sparked discussion, especially given the presence of Ab Hernandez, a transgender athlete who made headlines in the spring athletics season.

Alyssa McPherson, a member of the team, expressed her frustration when she appeared on Fox News. She talked about how disappointing it is that her senior season has been impacted by these forfeitures. “It feels so unfair,” McPherson said, adding that she not only misses the chance to play her last season but is also unable to compete alongside her junior varsity and freshman teammates. “We just want to compete, play, and have fun,” she mentioned.

She conveyed a growing sense that this season feels “stolen” from her and her peers, noting that she had long looked forward to enjoying her final year on the team. “I’ve felt robbed because I was anticipating this since freshman year. It’s just sad that I haven’t had a chance to do it this year,” she said.

McPherson’s mother, Maribel Munoz, commented on her daughter’s situation, indicating she has reached out to school officials multiple times but feels ignored. “They seem to focus more on particular students rather than acknowledging the feelings of all students,” Munoz said. She emphasized the need to support her daughter and other girls who are missing out.

Munoz also mentioned that her daughter doesn’t perceive the ongoing debates as a safety issue, given her competitive experience in a club volleyball team. “She’s accustomed to a higher level of play, so she doesn’t see it that way,” Munoz explained, pointing out the inequity and injustice they are facing.

Over the past weekend, the Jurupa Valley team faced additional forfeitures. In a statement, they recognized the disappointment felt by their athletes eager to compete, clarifying that the forfeitures were decisions made by other teams. They reiterated the district’s commitment to adhere to laws regarding gender identity and participation in sports.

The situation gained national attention when the Riverside Poly High girls’ volleyball team announced its game against Jurupa Valley would be forfeited. Many parents and school board members at Riverside Poly have spoken out about their experiences with trans athletes like Ab Hernandez.

Nereida Hernandez, Ab’s mother, addressed the controversy, expressing her understanding of the discomfort some may feel. “I chose to learn, grow and open up,” she shared. She emphasized the importance of empathy over anger, noting that her child’s abilities and skills set her apart, not her physical size.

Ultimately, Nereida pointed out her child’s innocence in the situation and hoped others could also see Ab as a peer rather than as the source of the controversy.