California High School Volleyball Team forgoes Upcoming Game over Trans Athlete Controversy

Jurupa Valley High School has found itself at the center of a heated debate this volleyball season due to the inclusion of trans athlete Ab Hernandez on its roster. Orange Vista High School, set to compete against Jurupa Valley on August 29, recently issued a forfeiture statement in light of the situation.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Orange Vista outlined the decision: “After thoughtful discussions involving our student-athletes and coaching staff, we have decided to cancel the upcoming girls’ volleyball game with Jurupa Valley High School. This decision was reached collaboratively with athletic managers from both schools.” The statement emphasized a commitment to the overall happiness of the students and support for team decisions.

Maribel Munoz, a parent of a female player from Jurupa Valley, shared a digital copy of a message from team coach Liana Manu. The message, sent to Orange Vista on August 25, informed them about the cancellation and upcoming matches with other schools.

In response to the forfeiture, Jurupa Valley acknowledged the disappointment felt by its athletes, who were eager to play. “The decision to cancel was not made lightly and involved teams from other districts,” they stated. Jurupa Valley also mentioned that as a public school district, they are obligated to adhere to laws protecting students from discrimination based on gender identity, which allows them to participate in sports aligned with their identity.

Jurupa Valley expressed pride in their athletes and their intention to find alternative matches. The scrutiny on the girls’ volleyball team escalated after Riverside Poly High School announced a forfeiture regarding a game scheduled for August 15, with concerns raised by parents about Hernandez’s participation.

Nereida Hernandez, Ab’s mother, shared her perspective on the situation. “I understand the discomfort some may have, but I chose to approach this with empathy and understanding,” she said. She noted that people often misunderstand what it means to be transgender and emphasized the importance of open-mindedness.

She described her daughter’s strengths not in physical attributes but in skills and sportsmanship, stating, “My child is innocent and didn’t intend to spark any controversy.” This situation has drawn national attention, particularly following a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice against the California Department of Education, asserting that biological males should compete in women’s sports across the state.

As a senior at Jurupa Valley, this volleyball season is particularly significant for Hernandez, who has played on the team for three years. Munoz expressed a mix of emotions regarding the cancellation, noting her sadness, anger, and frustration over how the school has handled the situation.