Susan Cirilli: Advancing equality in sports, one case at a time
In a year filled with hurdles and heated debates about transgender athletes, we've seen many organizations try limiting trans women's participation in female sports. But in this stormy climate, Susan Cirilli, a former college soccer player and now an attorney, has emerged as a fierce advocate fighting tooth and nail on behalf on these athletes.
Based in New York, Susan has made a name as a whiz in contract law, employment issues, and negotiations. However, she recently refocused her energy on battling discrimination against transgender athletes, pushing hard so they can compete fairly and equally.
Last November marked a turning point. Susan teamed up with Spector Gadon Rosen & Vinci and joined forces with Alan Epstein, a well-known civil rights attorney. Together, they're taking a stand against policies excluding trans women from women's sports.
Legal advocacy: leveling sports' playing field
"My practice has always been about supporting women in sports," Susan says. "I've been there, representing female athletes and coaches in issues like discrimination and equal pay. Standing up with transgender women in sports was simply a natural step in my fight."
Her commitment has led her down a path lined with lawsuits challenging policies that block trans women from competing. Take, Sadie Schreiner, a former track star at Rochester Institute and an upcoming NCAA All-American. She's currently suing multiple universities, fighting just so she can run.
And then there's Evelyn Parts, a former track captain at Swarthomore College, who faced exclusion due because NCAA rules didn't include her. Susan also stands by Dinah Yukich, a fencer pushing back against USA Fencing and US Olympic Committee policies, and Cammie Woodman, a recreational tennis player locked out from her league.
Falling in love with sports, one game at a time
Susan's love affair with sports started in Wallingford, Pennsylvania. "Sports were life back then," she fondly recalls. "My siblings and I all played Division I soccer, and our neighborhood thrived on sports. It was just what we did everyday."
The 1999 Women's World Cup was a turning point. "Watching Team USA win was life changing," she remembers. "The influence that team held was nothing short than inspiring."
Susan continued her athletic passion at University Vermont, leading her soccer team as captain. That competitive fire didn't die out—it pushed her towards getting a law degree from Catholic University. Even with her legal career taking off, sports kept its hold on her.
Her grit and determination shine through her every action, whether that meant qualifying Boston Marathon or finishing an impressive three Ironman races.
From kicking goals on field, she makes her mark in courtroom
For Susan, her legal work isn't too different from coaching. She draws inspiration from mentors who guided her sports journey. She's a firm believer that sports can change lives and she channels that energy straight in her legal work.
"I had fantastic coaches who showed me how sports could help you grow," she shares. "I hope have a positive effect through my work, and actually create change."
Although she started in employment law, her heart eventually led her back towards her true love, sports law, in 2020. Now, she wears numerous hats—becoming a certified player agent WNBA and PWHL while tackling issues like trans inclusion as women in sports gets a brighter spotlight.
Pushing women's sports forward: a call progress
Susan views her efforts as just one piece in a bigger puzzle, pushing civil rights forward through sports. She's motivated by pioneers such as Kathrine Switzer and Billie Jean King, and stresses that sports have always played an essential role in social change.
"Sports has been a huge standing ground civil rights," she states. "We've got stay alert state laws fight inclusion. I'm here make sure equality sports not just preserved but expanded."
Through her unwavering quest justice, Susan Cirilli champions rights trans women sports, ensuring sports remain welcoming ground all athletes.
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