Lia Thomas burst onto everyone’s radar in 2022 as a standout on UPenn’s women’s swimming team. As a groundbreaking trans athlete, she shattered school and conference records and won a national championship, sparking debates about transgender athletes in sports.
Though Thomas has been a focal point in this conversation, she’s not alone. A growing number have competed openly on college teams in recent years with many achieving remarkable feats in their sports.
These athletes include both trans men and women, competing across women's, men's, and even non-gendered teams. It's worth noting that plenty compete at college without publicly disclosing their identities.
For some athletes, deciding when—or if—to come out publicly involves balancing their sports ambitions with their personal identities. College policies on trans inclusion vary widely, but resources like transathlete.com provide helpful guidance.
NCAA Division I trans athletes: breaking barriers
Take Schuyler Newberger, who’s making waves in both water polo and cheerleading at Iona University. And back in 2010, Kye Allums became a trailblazer as college basketball’s first openly transgender player while at George Washington University.
At Michigan, G Ryan made headlines with their swimming prowess, while Jeffrey Rubel received a warm welcome from teammates on Georgia State’s cross-country and track teams after coming out. Meanwhile, Schuyler Bailar broke new ground with Harvard’s men’s swimming team.
Juniper Eastwood stood out by capturing an NCAA Division I conference title in track and field, a first at Montana. At Bowling Green, Brent Darah, an out trans man, found a supportive community with his teammates.
Outstanding achievements and overcoming hurdles
Braeden Abrahamsen made his transition during his time at Vanderbilt University, where he clinched a national championship in bowling. Lia Thomas continued her record-breaking streak with a national championship at UPenn.
Natalie Fahey and Iszac Henig navigated NCAA regulations successfully in swimming, while Oliver Williams transitioned roles in Ohio State’s rowing program.
NCAA Division II and III competitors: paving new paths
CeCé Telfer celebrated by winning a Division II national championship in track and field at Franklin Pierce University. Bobbie Fischer transitioned from a women’s fencing team role at Wayne State.
Sadie Schreiner and Meghan Cortez-Fields excel in track and swimming, respectively. Lex Horwitz plays squash at Bowdoin College, and Keelin Godsey made a name in hammer throw at Bates College.
As one pioneering trans competitor under NCAA’s inclusion policy, Taylor Edelmann transitioned and played men's volleyball at Purchase College, while Ryan Socolow found acceptance in lacrosse at Endicott College. Jay Pulitana swum competitively at Sarah Lawrence College.
NAIA and community college athletes: rising stars
After thriving in high school wrestling, Mack Beggs continued at Life University. Jay Robinson found his stride in equestrian sports, while Gabbi Ludwig turned heads in basketball at Mission College.
Peachy Tabilos took on a role in men’s volleyball at City College San Francisco. Chloe Anderson played volleyball at Santa Ana College before transferring, and Navi Huskey thrived in women’s basketball at Long Beach City College.
Other remarkable trans athletes: inspiring stories
Ray Libman showed his figure skating skills at UC Berkeley, and Harriett Mackenzie led her basketball team at Vancouver Island University. Mason Johnson contributed mightily as part Quinnipiac University’s successful rugby team.
Avery Cordingley skillfully juggled leadership and personal identity while playing ice hockey at Macalester College.
If you’_RE a trans athlete who has competed in college sports while being out, we’d love you hear your story. Your journey adds an inspiring chapter in sports’ evolving narrative on trans inclusion.
Related Posts
Supreme Court to Address State Bans on Trans Women in Female Sports
The upcoming U.S. Supreme Court term promises to be a pivotal moment for transgender rights, as the nation's highest court has agreed to evaluate whether states have the authority to prohibit transgender women from participating in female sports competitions. This case, scheduled to be argued in the next term beginning October, is expected to have a significant impact on the future of sports inclu [...]
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Announce Amicable Separation After Ten Years Together
In a heartfelt announcement that resonated deeply within the sports and LGBTQ+ communities, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and basketball legend Sue Bird have revealed their decision to part ways after nearly a decade together. The couple, who have been icons both on and off the field, shared the news with their fans through a joint statement on social media, expressing that the choice was made with mu [...]
Groundbreaking Ruling Ends Sodomy Ban for Police and Military in the Dominican Republic
The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic recently delivered a landmark decision on November 18th, ruling that the nation’s police and armed forces are not permitted to criminalize consensual same-sex relations among their personnel. This pivotal ruling is a significant stride towards equality and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights within these institutions. A Resounding Victory for Equal [...]