Minnesota Volleyball Player Advocates for Legislation Protecting Women’s Sports from Male Participation

Minnesota Volleyball Player Advocates for Legislation Protecting Women’s Sports from Male Participation

A middle-school volleyball player from Minnesota is making headlines as she takes a stand against perceived bullying in girls’ sports. Speaking with Fox News Digital, she shared her support for state legislation aimed at keeping biological males out of women’s athletic competitions.

Ainsley, an eighth-grade student and passionate volleyball athlete, expressed the fear many girls have about voicing their opinions regarding fairness in sports. She stated, “A lot of girls are afraid to stand up for our rights because of retaliation at school, like losing a spot on the team or even losing friendships. Bullying shouldn’t happen. I think this bill is really important. There’s a lot of pressure on us as girls to do whatever is trending instead of encouraging us to stand up for the truth.”

Key Legislation Supported by Young Athletes

On February 19, 2025, Ainsley testified in favor of the “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act,” a bill sponsored by Minnesota Representative Peggy Scott. This legislation aims to bar biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports across elementary and secondary levels.

The bill includes specific provisions, requiring that in cases of ambiguity regarding a student’s sex, a signed physician’s statement must verify the student’s sex based on biological indicators including anatomy, testosterone levels, and chromosomes.

Ainsley voiced her concerns, stating, “I don’t know why adults are condoning that behavior. I knew that someone had to be the voice for girls in Minnesota. We can’t sit on the sidelines while they are making decisions that impact us.”

Courage Amidst Controversy

Despite feeling apprehensive about public speaking, Ainsley recognized the importance of advocating for her fellow female athletes and decided to proceed. “I told my parents that I knew it would be scary, but if I didn’t speak up, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night,” she explained.

Ainsley reflected on the hearing, stating, “It was really shocking to see that not one Democratic representative chose to recognize us. They argued our existence and experience while we were present in the room.” In her quest for clarity, she pointedly asked, “What is the point of boys’ and girls’ teams if males are allowed to play on girls-only teams?”

National Attention on Women’s Sports

In related developments, President Donald Trump signed the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order, reinforcing policies preventing biological males from competing in women’s sports. This order articulates a commitment to eliminating funding for educational programs that undermine fair opportunities for girls and women in athletics, emphasizing the principles of safety, fairness, and dignity.

Ainsley stated that her motivation lies in inspiring others to advocate for the preservation of women’s sports. “As a volleyball player and teammate, I understand that encouragement is a vital component of any sports team,” she noted.

Empowering Future Leaders

Ainsley aims to motivate young girls by sharing a biblical principle: “Do not let anyone despise you for your youth, but be an example in speech and conduct.” She believes that girls need to be empowered not only to speak out but also to communicate with their representatives about issues affecting them.

She encouraged her peers, saying, “Even if you are too afraid to literally speak, remember that writing a letter to your representative about your feelings on the inclusion of males in girls’ sports is powerful. You are not alone, and you have a friend.”

Legislation’s Clear Stance on Female Participation

Representative Peggy Scott emphasized to Fox News Digital that her proposed legislation explicitly states that only females can compete in girls’ sports. She declared, “We define what a female is in this bill because, in today’s world, that has come into question. Allowing males to participate in girls’ sports is unfair and unsafe, effectively making Title IX meaningless.”

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender in programs receiving federal funding.

Currently, the Department of Education is reviewing the practices of the Minnesota State High School League, which allows transgender student-athletes to compete on teams aligning with their gender identity. A recent opinion from the Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office highlighted conflicts between federal interpretations of Title IX and state law, asserting that such prohibitions would violate the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Support from Legal Advocates

Legal experts like Renee Carlson from True North Legal commented on the ongoing debate, reiterating the importance of advocating for girls’ rights in sports. “Our daughters deserve better than what they’re getting from Minnesota school districts and the state government. Which incredibly talented female athlete on any Minnesota high school team deserves to be displaced by a male competitor? None,” she insisted.

Upcoming Legislative Decisions

The Minnesota House is scheduled to vote on the “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act” on March 3, 2025, as the conversation surrounding the intersection of gender and sports continues to evolve. Ainsley and her supporters remind the public of the fundamental principles of fairness and equality in women’s athletics.