1 month ago
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A California high school pulled out of a girls' volleyball game against a rival team that is believed to feature a transgender player.
AB Hernandez hit the headlines earlier this summer after dominating a female track meet in California - in defiance of Donald Trump's executive order to 'Keep Men Out of Women's Sports'.
Representing Jurupa Valley High School, Hernandez claimed gold in the high jump and triple jump at the California Interscholastic Federation state finals - despite opposition from protestors and parents.
Hernandez last year also helped the Jurupa Valley Lady Jags to a championship and an undefeated league season.
The Lady Jags were due to face Riverside Poly on Friday but the Bears announced that its girls' volleyball team would not take to the court.
'This match will be recorded as a forfeit in non-league standings,' the school said in a statement. 'We understand this is disappointing for our athletes, families, and supporters, and we appreciate the community's understanding.
Transgender athlete AB Hernandez dominated a girls' track meet in California earlier this year
Hernandez last year helped Jurupa Valley to a championship and undefeated league season
'We remain committed to providing a safe, positive environment for all student-athletes throughout the season.'
The school did not specify the reason for their withdrawal but a member of the Riverside Unified School District board believes it is because Hernandez is on the Jurupa Valley roster once more.
She also claimed that some players' parents were planning to protest against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports.
'I do believe it is because they are playing AB Hernandez, and that a decision was made that the students didn't want to,' Amanda Vickers told Fox News.
'I did get a message yesterday that there (were) parents (of players) that were wearing "Save Girls Sports" shirts. So they were kind of prepared for a protest today.'
Vickers added: 'What this is about is there is a difference between biological girls and biological boys. And, tonight, the girls of Riverside Polly High School, they're not going to end up like Payton McNabb.'
McNabb, a former high school volleyball player in North Carolina, suffered 'impaired vision, partial paralysis on her right side, and anxiety and depression' after being struck in the head by a spike from a transgender athlete.
Donald Trump signed an executive order entitled: 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports'
Back in May, days before before the state track championships, the CIF announced a new policy in response to backlash surrounding Hernandez's success.
Under the change, the federation allowed an additional student to compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.
Amid the controversy, President Trump threatened to hold back 'large scale Federal Funding' and blasted California governor Gavin Newsom who he claims has continued to 'ILLEGALLY allow "MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN'S SPORTS."'
The US Department of Justice late sued the California Department of Education and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) over its 'illegal' policies on transgender athletes in sports.
