Trans Athletes Competing Openly in College Sports: Triumphs and Challenges

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.