SJSU responds to volleyball player mass exodus after trans athlete scandal rocked program

Independent Women's Forum ambassador Sia Li'ili'i discusses San Jose State University volleyball players entering the transfer portal amid a transgender athlete controversy and the need for protections for biological women.

San Jose State University has acknowledged a recent mass exodus of volleyball players who entered the transfer portal after a controversy-riddled season involving a trans athlete on the team. 

The university provided a statement to Fox News Digital in which it expressed "respect" for the recent wave of players who have opted to transfer. "Student athletes have the ability to make decisions about their college athletic careers, and we have the utmost respect for that," the statement read.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that seven of the team's players have entered the transfer portal. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In an article detailing the San Jose State University Spartans' transgender athlete scandal, the New York Times referred to the biological female athletes on the team as "non-transgender women." (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The seven players who are transferring will be leaving the team after a season that included eight forfeited matches, regular police protection, national scrutiny and internal turmoil between players and coaches. One player even received threats of physical harm amid the controversy.

Head coach Todd Kress even spoke about how the 2024 season was one of the "most difficult" of his life after the team's loss in the conference final to Colorado State, in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. 

"This has been one of the most difficult seasons I’ve ever experienced, and I know this is true as well for many of our players and the staff who have