Parents Protest Volleyball Team Roster Cuts in Colorado

In Colorado, some parents are voicing their concerns after several girls were cut from the Dakota Ridge High School volleyball team while a transgender player was granted playing time.

Specifically, four parents are upset that eight girls were removed from the roster, and they are now seeking answers from Jefferson County Public Schools.

One parent mentioned that her daughter, who had made the sophomore team as a freshman, was among those cut.

“My daughter played volleyball at Dakota Ridge during her freshman and sophomore years,” said a mother of one of the girls. “Being part of that team was everything to her. This year, over 35 girls, including my daughter, didn’t make the team, while a transgender player did. She was devastated, and as her mother, it feels like her opportunity was taken away. That’s why Title IX protections in sports are crucial for our girls.”

Another parent shared that her daughter, a setter, dedicated herself in the offseason and even changed schools specifically to play volleyball there, only to be cut.

“This meant she lost a season of growth, time with her teammates, and something she built much of her high school experience around,” the mother expressed.

However, she began to doubt the coach’s claim that her daughter had been outperformed for the setter position when the transgender athlete was chosen for that role.

“I can’t determine from the information provided whether my daughter truly would have made the team or if her position change related to the other athlete’s placement,” the mother stated. “I’m asking the district to look into eligibility records, tryout evaluations, and coaching communications.”

She further noted, “For many, this might just be a policy discussion, but for us, it’s very personal: a teenage girl missed out on playing the sport she loves at school. We need a clear investigation into what transpired and whether her rights were upheld.”

Another parent suggested that perhaps the 2026-2027 season should just be canceled.

“What makes this especially hard to swallow is that seven junior girls were cut, any of whom could have had that spot on the team,” the parent stated. “These girls worked hard, went through tryouts expecting fairness, and thought the same standards would apply to everyone. If it turns out an ineligible player was allowed to participate, there needs to be accountability.”

“The program should be disqualified for the upcoming season, and all involved coaches and the Athletic Director should face dismissal or other consequences based on a comprehensive investigation,” the parent added. “Allowing this situation to persist without repercussions sends a confusing message to the girls who were told there was no place for them. We want clarity on how this decision was made, what policies were applied, and what steps Jeffco Public Schools will take to ensure fairness in treating every student-athlete.”

The school district has confirmed that it has received a Title IX complaint and is looking into the matter.

This comes after, in March, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights determined that Jefferson County violated Title IX by permitting boys to participate in girls’ sports.

The department stated, “OCR found that Jefferson County’s policies allowing access to facilities and sports based on ‘gender identity’ discriminated against females by compromising their safety and equal access to educational programs.” They also indicated that male students might occupy up to 61 roster positions on girls’ sports teams in the district.

Colorado voters will soon have a chance to weigh in. On November 3, they will vote on the Protect Women and Girls Sports Act, which, if passed, will establish biological sex as the criteria for school athletic teams and restrict male students from joining teams designated for female athletes.