Trans Sprinter Sadie Schreiner Faces Obstacles in NCAA Transfer Portal
Sadie Schreiner, a standout track athlete from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, has recently entered the NCAA transfer portal. Schreiner, a two-time NCAA Division III All-American in the 200 and 400 meters, is seeking opportunities to compete at the NCAA Division I level. However, she has encountered significant challenges, which she attributes to being a transgender woman.
In a heartfelt video shared on her Instagram account, Schreiner expressed her frustration with the transfer process, stating that her transgender identity has become an additional obstacle. While she received interest and even offers from various coaches, including those from major "Power 4" conference universities, she believes her gender identity is a barrier to further progress.
"After entering the transfer portal, it quickly became apparent that, among all the hurdles transfers usually have, there is an extra layer because I am trans," Schreiner explained. Due to state bans, she is ineligible to attend 50% of the colleges in the U.S., regardless of scholarship offers.
Schreiner has been in contact with 42 Division I schools, and 18 of them made initial contact. Despite this interest, only three institutions extended full-ride scholarship offers. These offers are not common in NCAA track and field, especially given upcoming roster and scholarship regulation changes set for 2025.
One of the full-ride offers Schreiner received was from a university in a state where transgender women and girls are banned from interscholastic and intercollegiate women’s competition. However, even in "safe" states, where trans participation is allowed and LGBTQ+ rights are supported, administrative pressure has prevented schools from signing her.
"The coaches that were talking to me weren’t the issue; it was the school administrators," Schreiner said. Several institutions, including some from the Power 4 conferences—ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC—chose not to pursue Schreiner further due to external pressures.
The current national climate, marked by heightened political tension and anti-trans rhetoric, has created a challenging environment for transgender athletes. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of clear guidelines and the hesitance of institutions to make definitive decisions. Jen Fry, a diversity and equity consultant, noted that university administrations struggle with a lack of guidance, balancing athlete and team safety.
Reflecting on her situation, Schreiner remains determined to compete, despite the uncertainty. She aims to excel in her sport while also securing the financial means to complete her degree, a goal now jeopardized by the current landscape.
"I aimed to transfer not only to improve my athletic ability in a more competitive environment but also to help with the funds needed to complete my degree. It will now likely be impossible to do so," Schreiner lamented. "Trans people are actively getting attacked right now, and our rights are getting stripped away. Those in power are either endorsing that or just letting it happen."
As Schreiner continues her athletic journey, she remains focused on competing and advocating for transgender rights. Despite the barriers she faces, she is committed to pursuing her goals and raising awareness about the challenges transgender athletes encounter.
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