Nevada volleyball vows not to play trans athlete despite UNR’s stance

The Nevada women’s volleyball game Tuesday in Reno drew the attendance of some high-profile Republicans after the players voted recently to refuse to play San Jose State University for having a transgender player on the team.
“For us, it always came down to … equal opportunity, fair play on the court,” team captain Sia Liilii told the Reno Gazette Journal after the team’s win against Utah State.
“Women have fought so hard to get to the point where we are, playing D1 volleyball and having matches like this,” Liilii said. “For someone who is a biological male to come in is not fair.”
The University of Nevada, Reno administration released a statement this week reiterating its intent to go forward with the game, citing NCAA rules against discrimination, but saying players will not be disciplined for declining to play.
“The University and its athletic programs are governed by the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law, which strictly protect equality of rights under the law, and that equality of rights shall not be denied or abridged by this state or any of its subdivisions on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry or national origin,” the statement said in part. “The University is also governed by federal law as well as the rules and regulations of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, which include providing competition in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Liilii said the team is sticking with its decision not to play San Jose State despite the university’s statement.
“I know what our team is going to do, and we are going to have integrity,” Liilii said. 
Even after “tough conversations” with Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe, Liilii said none of the players will compete.  
“I think this is the toughest thing our team has gone through, but I’m just glad I have so many brave young women behind me, and I get to be the captain of this team,” Liilii told the RGJ.
Former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown and Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin — all fresh off a campaign event for Donald Trump in Carson City — showed up at Tuesday’s game. 
“This is a noble fight these young ladies are engaged in, and I wanted to be here to stand up with them,” Brown told the RGJ. He said he is disappointed in the university’s stance.
“This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I have an 11-year-old daughter. This is personal,” he said.
Gabbard talked with Liilii after the game. As a U.S. representative in 2020, Gabbard sponsored legislation to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s collegiate athletics.
“I am so proud of you,” Gabbard told Liilii.
Several players, including Liilii, are being represented by attorney Joe Gilbert, who was at the game.
“I love this university and I look up to the leaders, but it is troubling how it is discriminating against this group of women,” Gilbert said.
Five schools have refused to play the Spartans this season. Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State, all in the Mountain West conference with Nevada, and Southern Utah University forfeited games.
While the four schools posted vague announcements in forfeiting the matches, lawmakers in those states have cited concerns about transgender athletes competing in women’s athletics in supporting the colleges’ decisions.
More:Nevada reiterates position not to forfeit game, citing NCAA rules
This story has been updated to add video.