San Jose State’s Controversial Volleyball Season Ends in Mountain West Final Loss
LAS VEGAS — The San Jose State Spartans’ volleyball team, a squad that has been at the center of a heated national debate about women in sports, saw their season come to an end Saturday night. The Spartans fell to Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference tournament final, with the Rams taking the match 27-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16. The loss not only ended San Jose State’s season but also capped off a year filled with controversy, protests, and political discourse.
With the win, Colorado State (20-10) secured the Mountain West Conference’s automatic bid to the 64-team NCAA tournament. For San Jose State, the loss marked the conclusion of a tumultuous season that saw the Spartans finish with a 14-6 record, a campaign overshadowed by off-court issues that extended far beyond the volleyball court.
A Season Defined by Controversy
San Jose State’s season was anything but ordinary. The team became a lightning rod for discussions about gender identity in sports, a topic that has increasingly become a political flashpoint, especially in an election year. The controversy surrounding the Spartans didn’t just simmer in the background—it boiled over into the Mountain West tournament itself.
One of the most dramatic moments of the tournament came when Boise State, which had already boycotted two regular-season matches against San Jose State, withdrew from the conference tournament on Wednesday night. This decision came just hours after Boise State defeated Utah State to earn a spot in Friday’s semifinals against the Spartans. While Boise State didn’t explicitly state their reasons for pulling out, their withdrawal followed a lawsuit filed in Colorado by players from various schools. The lawsuit called for a San Jose State player to be barred from participating in the tournament, citing reports that the player is transgender. The lawsuit even went as far as naming the player.
However, U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews ruled on Monday that the player was allowed to compete, a decision that was upheld by a federal appeals court the following day. Despite the legal victories for San Jose State, the controversy continued to cast a shadow over the team’s season and the tournament.
Protests and Boycotts
San Jose State’s season was marked by a series of boycotts from opposing teams. The Spartans received six forfeit victories during the regular season due to these boycotts. In addition to Boise State, other Mountain West members—including Wyoming, Utah State, and Nevada—refused to play against San Jose State. Southern Utah also canceled a match against the Spartans. Nevada’s players issued a statement saying they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” though they did not provide further details.
Despite the uproar, the volleyball player at the center of the controversy has not spoken publicly about her identity. San Jose State has also refrained from commenting on the matter, citing federal privacy laws. ESPN has chosen not to name the player.
On-Court Action Amid Off-Court Drama
While the off-court drama dominated headlines, the Spartans still managed to put together a strong season on the court. Seeded second in the Mountain West tournament, San Jose State earned a first-round bye. However, their championship hopes were dashed by a determined Colorado State team that outplayed them in the final.
Interestingly, the championship match itself was free of the protests and hostility that had plagued the Spartans throughout the season. While two protesters were present outside Cox Pavilion during Friday’s semifinal, none showed up for Saturday’s final. The crowd of about 100 spectators also refrained from any noticeable signs of hostility during the match.
Looking Ahead
The participation of transgender women in women’s sports has become a polarizing issue, and San Jose State’s season served as a microcosm of the broader debate. As the Rams prepare for the NCAA tournament, the Spartans are left to reflect on a season that was as much about societal issues as it was about volleyball.
For now, the focus shifts to Colorado State, who will represent the Mountain West in the NCAA tournament. But the questions raised during San Jose State’s season are unlikely to fade anytime soon, ensuring that the Spartans’ 2024 campaign will be remembered for far more than their win-loss record.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
