Lia Thomas became a prominent figure when she competed for the University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming team in 2022. Her outstanding performances in the pool set new school and conference records, culminating in her winning a national championship.
While Lia Thomas's journey garnered significant attention and sparked widespread discussions about transgender athletes' inclusion in sports, she is not alone in this journey. Over the past decade, more than three dozen transgender athletes have openly competed in college sports, being out to their teammates and coaches.
These athletes are diverse, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals, competing across various sports and divisions. Notably, some have chosen to come out during or after their athletic careers to align their identities with their competitive experiences. For instance, Fordham basketball player Bryson Cavanaugh chose to forgo his senior season and the WNBA Draft to commence his transition, while Duke rower Liam Miranda waited until after his college career to come out publicly.
Breaking Barriers in NCAA Division I
Notable trans athletes in NCAA Division I include Schuyler Bailar, who made headlines by joining Harvard's men’s swimming team, and Juniper Eastwood, who competed in cross-country and track at the University of Montana. Eastwood notably became the first trans student-athlete to win a conference title at the NCAA Division I level.
Another inspiring story is Iszac Henig from Yale University, who contributed to the women’s swimming team and chose to delay hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to remain eligible under NCAA regulations.
Achievements in NCAA Division II and III
In NCAA Division II, CeCé Telfer made history by winning the national championship in the 400-meter hurdles for Franklin Pierce University. Similarly, in Division III, Sadie Schreiner at Rochester Institute of Technology earned All-American honors in track and field.
Trans athletes have also excelled in less traditional sports, like Lex Horwitz in squash at Bowdoin College, and Kolton Niemann, who played both tennis and soccer at Northern Vermont University.
Prominent Figures in NAIA and Community Colleges
The NAIA has seen significant contributions from trans athletes like Mack Beggs, a wrestler at Life University, while community colleges have been home to athletes like Chloe Anderson, who played volleyball at Santa Ana College before transferring to UC-Santa Cruz.
At Mission College, Gabbi Ludwig broke barriers by joining the women's basketball team at the age of 50, highlighting how diverse and inclusive college sports can be.
These athletes’ stories are a testament to their resilience and determination. They have faced both challenges and triumphs, navigating the complexities of identity and athletic competition. Their journeys continue to inspire others and push for greater inclusion and acceptance in sports.
If you're a trans athlete who has competed in college sports and wish to share your story, please reach out to us. Your experiences contribute to the ongoing dialogue and progression towards inclusivity in sports.
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