Mother of Transgender Teen Responds After Volleyball Match Is Forfeited

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A high school volleyball match in California was forfeited after Riverside Poly High School declined to compete against Jurupa Valley High School, whose roster includes transgender player AB Hernandez.

The Forfeit

The scheduled game on August 15 was called off when Riverside Poly chose not to play, issuing a statement afterward that acknowledged the disappointment for athletes and families but emphasized its commitment to maintaining a “safe, positive environment” for all student-athletes.

Parents later told Fox Digital that the decision stemmed from AB’s participation on Jurupa Valley’s team, noting it was made by school leadership rather than the athletes themselves.

District Meeting Reactions

On August 21, the Riverside Unified School District held a board meeting where community members addressed the issue. Some parents supported the forfeit, while others raised concerns about exclusion.

Board member Amanda Vickers referenced a 2022 incident in North Carolina, where a female volleyball player was injured by a ball hit during a match involving a transgender athlete. She cited that case as context for her position.

Remarks from the Player’s Mother

During the meeting, AB’s mother, Nereyda Hernandez, spoke directly to district officials. She said her daughter should not be singled out as the cause of the controversy and urged board members to support all students equally.

“You have an oath to protect every child, not just those who align with your beliefs,” Hernandez said. She added that broader debates and organized campaigns often create division among parents.

Previous Incidents

AB Hernandez has previously faced protests during competitions. At a May track meet in Yorba Linda, spectators—including some board members—reportedly heckled her, disrupting the event. She has also encountered demonstrations at postseason meets, where some attendees wore “Save Girls Sports” T-shirts.

Speaking about such experiences, AB said she focuses on her own performance rather than reactions from the crowd.

Federal Policy Context

The issue has also drawn attention at the national level. Former President Donald Trump commented on the California situation via his Truth Social account, saying schools not adhering to his administration’s transgender sports policies would risk losing federal funding.

Earlier this year, Trump filed suit against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation, arguing their policies permitting transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s sports violate federal law.

A directive signed in February stated that federal funds would be withheld from schools allowing trans girls and women to compete in female athletics, citing fairness and safety concerns.