Last fall, a male on an opposing women’s volleyball team knocked me unconscious with a forceful spike. The sheer impact of the blow has left me with significant long-term physical and neurological effects, including impaired vision and partial paralysis on my right side.
Since then, I’ve spoken out against men in women’s sports. States and governing bodies that continue to allow males to compete with and against women are denying science and turning a blind eye to the risks, the unfairness, and the loss opportunities for female athletes.
Friend, read the Keep Women’s Sports Female open letter, and add your name.
Last weekend, a Massachusetts high school field hockey player suffered significant facial and dental injuries after a male on the opposing team shot the ball directly into her face. It happened during a playoff match between Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and Swampscott High School. What’s more, the Swampscott team went on to win the game (2-0) and advance in the playoffs as a result of both goals scored by this male player.
Massachusetts law requires schools to allow males to join women’s teams where their school does not offer a men’s team in the sport. But this can rob female high school students of opportunities to compete at the varsity level, further entrenching athletic inequality.
We need voices like yours, Friend, to join female athletes in our quest to reclaim our sports and speak up for equal athletic opportunity and safety for female athletes. Whether you are an athlete, were previously an athlete, or no athlete at all, every voice counts. By taking action, we can prevent future harm to female athletes all over the country.
