California High School Forfeits Volleyball Match Featuring Transgender Athlete
Anwar Stetson
Credit: AP
A Southern California high school has forfeited a match featuring a transgender athlete. Riverside Polytechnic High School (Calif.) wrote a statement on social media Saturday, forfeiting a girls’ volleyball match against rival Jurupa Valley High School.
Jurupa Valley’s team features transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who made headlines in June for competing in girls’ track and field events at the California state championships.
The statement reads: “Riverside Poly High School’s girls volleyball team will not take the court for tonight’s scheduled game against Jurupa Valley High School. This match will be recorded as a forfeit in non-league standings. We understand this is disappointing for our athletes, families, and supporters, and we appreciate the community’s understanding. We remain committed to providing a safe, positive environment for all student-athletes throughout the season.”
The school did not specify any reason for the forfeit; however, both parents and a Riverside Unified School District board member told Fox News that the decision was a protest against Hernandez competing.
The statement received a mixed response on social media. Many supporters hailed the decision as a positive stand for girls’ sports. Others believe the forfeit unnecessarily targets and discriminates against Hernandez.
The 16-year-old competed in track and field events in June under a new policy change that may be the first of its kind in the nation. Under the policy, the California Interscholastic Federation allowed an additional “biological female student-athlete” to compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.
At the 2025 CIF Track & Field Championships, Hernandez finished first in the high jump. Three days before the meet, President Donald Trump threatened to “hold back” federal funding from the state of California if Hernandez competed, adding that he ordered local authorities, if necessary, to “not allow the transitioned person to compete” in the state finals. However, the event went on as planned.
Hernandez also plays volleyball for Jurupa Valley High School. The Lady Jaguars have won four straight regular-season league titles, including two with Hernandez on the roster. After winning the league in 2024, Jurupa Valley was defeated by Glendora High School 3-0 in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Girls Volleyball Championship.
The 5’9”, 120lb junior led the River Valley league that year with 24 blocks. Hernandez finished second in the league in kills (122), and third in the league in Digs (82).
Hernandez competed in volleyball freshman and sophomore years at Jurupa Valley. This is the first time a high school team has forfeited a volleyball contest Hernandez would have participated in.
“The decision was not about hatred or anything negative. Trans people still have rights but not a right to play sports against the opposite sex,” Fred Brayton, the father of a Riverside Poly player, told Fox News. According to the news outlet, Brayton said the decision not to play was made collectively by the Riverside Poly players.
Nereyda Hernandez, AB’s mother, made a statement on social media after the forfeit, writing:
“When we follow California law and school policies, especially those that protect the rights of ALL students, we are more than just rule-followers. We are respectful, inclusive, and principled citizens. Even when others choose to be a negative influence, we stand for fairness, dignity, and equality. It’s not always easy, but doing the right thing matters, especially when it supports those who are often marginalized or misunderstood. By choosing respect and inclusion, we help build a school and a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and seen. No matter what challenges come our way, we will continue to respect one another, and each other’s families with compassion and understanding.”
California has allowed transgender athletes to compete in sports aligning with their preferred gender identity for about a decade. In July, the Trump Administration sued the state over its policy.
Jurupa Valley is now 2-2 on the season after the forfeit. Riverside Poly now falls to 4-3. Jurupa Valley begins league play in September.