Boise State Withdraws from Mountain West Volleyball Tournament Amid Controversy
LAS VEGAS — In a stunning turn of events, Boise State has withdrawn from the Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament, despite earning a spot in the semifinals against San Jose State. The decision, announced late Wednesday night, has sent shockwaves through the volleyball community and reignited debates over fairness, inclusion, and competition in collegiate sports.
San Jose State, which has been at the center of controversy this season, now advances directly to Saturday’s championship match without having to play Friday’s semifinal. The Spartans, seeded second in the tournament, had already received a first-round bye. This latest development means they’ll face either top-seeded Colorado State or No. 5 San Diego State for the title.
Boise State’s decision comes after a season marked by tension and boycotts. The Broncos, along with several other Mountain West teams, refused to play San Jose State during the regular season, resulting in six forfeit victories for the Spartans. The controversy stems from allegations surrounding a San Jose State player, with some opponents citing concerns over fairness in competition. However, the specifics of Boise State’s withdrawal remain unclear, including whether it was a team vote or a university decision.
Boise State’s Statement: A Call for Change
In a statement released Wednesday night, Boise State explained its decision: “The decision to not continue to play in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship tournament was not an easy one. Our team overcame forfeitures to earn a spot in the tournament field and fought for the win over Utah State in the first round on Wednesday. They should not have to forgo this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes.”
The announcement came just hours after Boise State defeated Utah State in the quarterfinals, winning 25-19, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23. Despite the victory, the Broncos did not immediately commit to playing San Jose State in the semifinals, leaving fans and analysts speculating about their next move. Now, the decision to withdraw has left many wondering about the future of the tournament and the broader implications for the sport.
San Jose State’s Controversial Season
San Jose State has been no stranger to controversy this year. The Spartans have faced boycotts from multiple Mountain West teams, including Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, Nevada, and Southern Utah. Nevada’s players issued a statement earlier this season, saying they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” though they did not provide further details.
The controversy reached a boiling point earlier this week when a lawsuit was filed in Colorado by players from various schools. The lawsuit called for a San Jose State player to be ruled ineligible for the tournament, citing unspecified reports that the player is transgender. The legal battle culminated in a ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews, who determined that the player is allowed to compete. A federal appeals court upheld the decision the following day.
San Jose State has not commented on the player’s identity, citing federal privacy laws, and the player herself has not spoken publicly about the matter. ESPN has chosen not to name the player.
What’s Next for the Tournament?
With Boise State out, the championship match is expected to proceed as scheduled on Saturday. San Jose State will face the winner of Friday’s semifinal between Colorado State and San Diego State. Both teams played the Spartans during the regular season, opting not to forfeit their matches.
For Wyoming and Nevada, the controversy is moot this postseason, as neither team qualified for the tournament. However, the broader issues raised by this situation are unlikely to fade anytime soon. The Mountain West Conference and its member schools will likely face increased scrutiny and calls for clearer policies moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- Boise State withdrew from the Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament after earning a spot in the semifinals against San Jose State.
- San Jose State, which received six forfeit victories this season, advances directly to the championship match.
- The controversy centers on allegations regarding a San Jose State player, with legal rulings allowing her to compete.
- Multiple Mountain West teams boycotted matches against San Jose State this season, citing concerns over fairness.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this year’s Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament will be remembered as much for its off-court drama as for the action on the court. With San Jose State now just one win away from a championship, all eyes will be on Saturday’s final to see how this unprecedented season concludes.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
