Sports

The Beach and the Rainbow Warriors Battle For the Big West Championship

The Hawaiian Islands Presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship First Round – Thursday, April 24 No. 4 seed UC San Diego 3,. No. 5 seed UC Santa Barbara 2 No. 3 seed UC Irvine 3, No. 6 seed CSUN 2 Semifinals – Friday, April 25 No. 1 seed Long Beach State 3, […]

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1 month ago

April 27, 2025

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The Hawaiian Islands Presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship

First Round – Thursday, April 24

No. 4 seed UC San Diego 3,. No. 5 seed UC Santa Barbara 2

No. 3 seed UC Irvine 3, No. 6 seed CSUN 2

Semifinals – Friday, April 25

No. 1 seed Long Beach State 3, No. 4 seed UC San Diego 0

No. 2 seed Hawai’i vs. No. 3 UC Irvine 1

Final – Saturday, April 26

No. 1 seed Long Beach State vs. No. 2 seed Hawai’i – 10:00 p.m. (PT) / 7:00 p.m. (HT)

The Beach and the Rainbow Warriors Battle For the Big West Championship

No. 1 ranked and top-seeded Long Beach State men’s volleyball team will face No. 3 Hawaii, which is the No. 2 seed in the Hawaiian Islands presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship. The Beach and the Rainbow Warriors will square off on Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. (HT)/10 p.m. (PT) at SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. The winner will earn the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Catch All The Action

The Big West Championship match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ on the mainland and on Spectrum Sports on the islands. Fans can also follow all the action via live stats at BigWest.org/sidearmstats/mvball1.

Staying Social

Follow Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @LBSUMVB. You can also stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics on X. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU. And don’t forget our hashtag #GoBeach.

In the Rankings

• Long Beach State has been ranked No. 1 in the AVCA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Poll for 13 consecutive weeks. The Beach garnered 460 total points and all 23 first-place votes after boasting a 27-2 overall record.

• Hawaii is the No. 3 ranked program in the country as the Rainbow Warriors own a 25-5 record on the year.

• The Big West is one of the most competitive Division I Men’s Volleyball conferences as all six Big West schools are nationally ranked, with three of them sitting in the Top 5.

• The season, Long Beach State has faced 10 nationally ranked opponents and will face No. 3 Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship. Overall, the Beach own a 15-2 record against nationally ranked opponents this season.

The Beach In The Postseason

• Top-ranked Long Beach State goes into The Big West Championship as the No. 1 seed after capturing their fourth-consecutive regular season title on April 19 with a 3-0 sweep of No. 10 UC San Diego.

• The Beach will face No. 3 Hawaii in the championship match, marking the fourth time the two teams will meet in The Big West Tournament. Overall, the Bows lead the Big West postseason series 2-1.

• In all, the Beach is making its seventh Big West postseason appearance as LBSU owns a tournament record of 8-4.

• Since its creation in 2018, Long Beach State has been the regular season Big West Champion in six of seven seasons (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) as there was not a postseason tournament held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

• The Beach previously won The Big West Championship in 2018 and 2024 as they look for their third tournament title.

• Prior to The Big West, Long Beach State was part of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). In the MPSF, LBSU owned a tournament record of 18-21.

• In all, Long Beach State is 26-25 in conference tournaments.

• Should LBSU advance to the NCAA Tournament, it will be the Beach’s 15th Final Four appearance.

• At the NCAA Tournament, Long Beach State is 16-11 with three National Championships (1991, 2018, and 2019).

About The Beach

• No. 1 Long Beach State has put together one of its most successful seasons to date as the Beach own a 27-2 overall record and won The Big West Regular Season Title with an 8-2 mark.

• Earlier this season, the Beach strung together 20-straight victories marking the team’s fourth-longest winning streak in program history.

• With 21 straight set wins this season, the 2025 Long Beach State team has set a new program record for most 3-0 sweeps in a single season.

• In addition to setting the single-season record for most sweeps, the 2025 Beach team has served up a total of 213 which is also a new program single-season record.

• Individually, freshman setter Moni Nikolov has been superb this season from the service line. He set the Long Beach State program record earlier this season, and just last night, set The Big West single-season record as he now has 90 aces on the year. He is just 10 away from tying the NCAA record.

• This season, Long Beach State went on an impressive 20-match winning streak that began with the season opener on January 10 with a sweep over Saint Francis (Pa.) and came to an end on March 28 with a straight-set loss to UC Irvine. That 20-match winning streak is good for fourth in program history. The 2025 team will go down in the annals behind the record holding 2018 team which strung together 24-consecutive wins. From 2018-19, LBSU won 23-straight matches and from 1991-92 the Beach put together a 22-match winning streak to round out the top three.

• The Big West announced the all-conference selections on Wednesday and Long Beach State boasted four players on the First Team, one Honorable Mention selection, and a pair on the All-Freshman Team.

• Earning All-Big West First Team accolades were Alex Kandev, DiAeris McRaven, Moni Nikolov, and Sklyer Varga. Meanwhile, Daniil Hershtynovich claimed Honorable Mention status. Kandev and Nikolov also made the All-Freshman squad.

• Offensively, LBSU is led by Daniil Hershtynovich and Alex Kandev. Hershtynovich leads the way with 3.18 kills per set, while Kandev is hot on his heels with 3.16. Both rank in The Big West Top 10.

• Kandev is the team leader in hitting percentage as the true freshman is hitting .467 (161-31-273) on the year to come in second in the conference.

• Hershtynovich ranks in The Big West top 10 in three statistical categories. He is fifth in kills per set (3.18), and sixth in hitting percentage (.354) and points per set (3.77)

• Leading the Beach to a nation-leading .399 attack percentage is freshman setter Moni Nikolov. The product out of Sofia, Bulgaria has been on-point this season distributing 9.92 assists per set, while also helping out on the offensive attack with 1.52 kills per set. If that weren’t enough, Nikolov also leads the nation with 0.94 aces per set. He is currently at 90 aces on the year which is a new LBSU and Big West single-season record. His 90 service aces are just 10 shy of tying the NCAA All-Eras single-season mark (100).

• At the net, middles Ben Braun and DiAeris McRaven have patrolled the net leading the Beach to a 2.71 blocks per set average. That mark leads The Big West and is good for second in the country.

• Braun, a 6-11 junior from Rancho Mirage, Calif., is averaging 1.36 blocks per set after totaling 75 over 55 sets. His 1.36 blocks per set are tops in The Big West.

• McRaven, meanwhile has put up a team-leading 81 blocks to average 0.98 blocks per set. He is ranked fifth in the conference and in the Top 25 in the nation in blocks per set.

• In his 22nd season at the helm, Long Beach State Head Coach Alan Knipe is the winningest coach in LBSU Men’s Volleyball program history, Knipe owns a career record of 446-170 for a winning percentage of 724.

• Knipe’s staff of Associate Head Coach Nick MacRae, Assistant Coach McKay Smith, Volunteer Assistant Coach Andy Read, and Technical Coordinator Jon Parry are also back for the Beach. The seasoned quartet have worked together for the last eight seasons helping Long Beach State capture two NCAA National Titles, two Big West Championships, and have led the Beach to six NCAA Tournament appearances.

Scouting Hawai’i

• No. 3 Hawaii comes into The Big West Championship as the No. 2 seed with a 25-5 overall record and a 7-3 Big West mark.

• The Rainbow Warriors are coming off of a Big West Semifinal win over UC Irvine, 3-1, last night. The hard-fought battle with the Anteaters culminated with Hawaii advancing to the championship match to face long time foe, top-seeded Long Beach State.

• The Bows are averaging 13.25 kills per set on a .341 attack percentage. Additionally, UH adds 7.92 digs per set and 2.40 blocks per set to go along with 1.75 aces per set.

• Kristian Titriyski is the Bows’ leading scorer with 4.24 kills per set on a .325 clip. He also chips in 1.11 digs and 0.63 blocks per set.

• At setter, Tread Rosenthal has dished out 10.66 assists per set to pace the Bows. His efficient passing has led to Hawaii hitting .341 on the year. He is also second on the squad with 1.58 digs per set. Rosenthal is also the team’s leader at the service line as he has served up a team-best 37 aces this season to average 0.35 per set.

• In the backrow, ‘Eleu Choy anchors the defense with 1.72 digs per set.

• At the net, Kurt Nusterer has posted a team-leading 103 blocks to average 1.06 per set. He also adds 1.25 kills per set on a .449 attack percentage.

The Series: The Beach vs. The Rainbow Warriors

Long Beach State and Hawaii will face each other for the 102nd time in program history. Overall, the Beach lead the all-time series 53-48. Earlier this season, the two team split the series. Long Beach State defeated Hawaii, 3-1, on Friday, then the Bows handed the Beach a five-set loss on Saturday on the islands. When playing each other at UH, the Bows lead the series 28-19. This is the fourth time the conference foes will face each other in The Big West Championships and Hawaii holds the edge, 2-1.

Acing The Competition

Freshman Moni Nikolov is leading a charge against numerous serving records at Long Beach State, The Big West and the NCAA. With what is believed to be the fastest recorded serve in NCAA history, Nikolov has set a new program single-season record with 90 service aces thus far. That mark is also a new Big West record, and currently is second in NCAA history across all eras. Long Beach State has made 213 in total as a team, another program single-season record. As a team, Long Beach State has an opportunity to reach three other elite serving teams with different records; the Big West record holders of Hawai’i with 224 aces in 2022, the 25-point rally scoring record set last year by Saint Francis (Pa.) of 237, and the all-time record set in 2007 by Stevens of 289.

Among The Nation’s Best

Long Beach State is ranked in the Top 5 in in the country in five different statistical categories this season. The Beach lead the nation in hitting percentage (.399) and aces per set (2.22). The team ranks second in blocks (2.71), third in kills (13.21), and fourth in assists per set (12.09).

Individually, the Beach boasts four players who rank in the Top 50 in the nation in their respective disciplines. Leading the way, setter Moni Nikolov leads the nation in aces per set (0.94), and is ranked 17th in assists per set (9.92). DiAeris McRaven comes in 24th in the nation with a 0.98 block per set average, while Skyler Varga leads the way with a .390 hitting percentage which is good for 12th in the country. Rounding out the Fab Four, is Daniil Hershtynovich who is ranked in the NCAA Top 50 in three different statistical categories. His .354 clip is good for 20th in the nation, while his kills per set (3.18) and points per set (3.77) averages rank him 47th and 42nd in the country, respectively.

The Big Toe

Senior opposite Nato Dickinson had a career weekend to close the regular season. The product out of Corona Del Mar, Calif., kicked off the week with a career-best 16 kills at UC San Diego (4/18). The next night in the Walter Pyramid against the Tritons, Dickinson did it again. He set a pair of new career-high with three digs and two aces. On the year, Dickinson is averaging 1.43 kills per set on a .273 attack percentage, while adding 0.78 blocks per set.

Up Next

Should the Beach win the Hawaiian Islands presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship, they will earn the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Long Beach State looks to repeat as champions. Since The Big West began sponsoring Men’s Volleyball in 2018, Long Beach State has captured the title in 2018 and 2024.

The NCAA Tournament will begin on Thursday, May 8, with the Final Four taking place on Saturday, May 10, and the championship match being played on Monday, May 12 at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The 2025 NC Men’s Volleyball Championship Selection Show will air live on Sunday, April 27 at 1 p.m. (PT) on NCAA.com.

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Sports

Words of Wisdom from the Class of 2025

As senior year comes to a close, members of the Class of 2025 are reflecting on what they’ve learned—both inside and outside the classroom. From time management tips to lessons in friendship and confidence, their advice offers a glimpse into the highs and lows that defined their high school experiences. Linda Gabele: Be Open and […]

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20 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

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Linda Gabele: Be Open and Reach Out

“Be open to meeting new people and try to connect with them as well,” Gabele said.

Gabele also encourages students to step outside their comfort zones. “Stay locked in and make friends with people you normally wouldn’t be with,” she said. “It’s easy to stick with familiar faces, but some of the most meaningful friendships come from unexpected places.”

Casey Watkins: Try, Connect, and Slow Down

For Watkins, high school has been centered around connection, effort, and reflection. One of his most meaningful experiences has come from being on a team. “Being part of a sports community like water polo is a sense of brotherhood, and it’s so awesome,” he said.

He also encourages others to take initiative socially. “You should never be shy. You can’t go out and make friends without trying,” Watkins added. “Definitely try to make the best out of every difficult situation, and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the time.”

Kasra Motamedi: It’s Okay, Just Keep Going

Senior Kasra Motamedi has learned a lot—sometimes the hard way. “Talk to your teachers when something is wrong. Teachers want you to succeed and they don’t want you to fail,” he said.

Motamedi also regrets waiting too long to finish assignments. “I wish I didn’t procrastinate as much,” he said. “I wouldn’t have had so much stress and I’d be able to have more fun.”

For Motamedi, keeping perspective is key. “It will be alright in the end—what college you go to, your friends, and everything else,” he said.

Don’t care too much about what people think. I used to think too much about what others thought, and it would ruin my mood. I’d even change how I act in front of others,” Motamedi shared.

Juliana Gamez-Diaz: Don’t Hold Back, and Study Hard

To Gamez-Diaz, social advice is just as important as academic tips. “Don’t be scared to talk to new people and to do things that are embarrassing,” she said. “If you’re too scared to be embarrassed, you can hold back on a lot of things.”

When it comes to academics—especially in a big school—her biggest takeaway is the value of focused studying. “Focusing a lot on doing deep studying is better because multi-tasking is just a waste of time,” she explained. “If you’re so distracted, it takes like hours to do things, but like, if you’re in deep focus, you can get it done in, like a small amount of time. Short forms of content and, like, TikTok, it’s like, it’s like your attention span decreases.”

Lainey Egnal: Stay Organized

If there’s anyone who figured out how to manage senior year wisely, its Lainey Egnal. As a Dance Team captain juggling college applications and a social life, Egnal found that planning ahead made all the difference. “Do as much as you can as a junior and the summer before senior year,” she said.

“You have UCPIQS (personal insight questions) and the Common App questions summer before senior year. If you get those done, by the time you get to first semester senior year, all you have left is supplementals,” she explained. “It will make your life ten times easier.”

“Don’t stress too much about doing something all the time, usually you are doing exactly what you need to be doing,” Egnal concluded.

Phoebe Matin: Live while you can

Matin encourages underclassman not to waste their time worrying about the wrong things. “Don’t care what other people think,” she said. “Do what you can to have a good time and live—these years go by so quickly.”

Her favorite memories were not made in the classroom, but rather outside with friends. “Go out on the Green and play spikeball with your friends,” she said. “The small, joyful moments stick the most.”

Alessandro Delfin Novoa: Work Hard and Enjoy

Alessandro Delfin Novoa has one big tip for balancing academics and fun: plan ahead. “Take all of your hard classes your junior year,” he said. “Taking hard classes junior year means you can enjoy your senior year.”

For Novoa, authenticity remains crucial in high school. “Just stay true to yourself. High school goes by a lot faster than you think, and I feel like every moment you have to make the most of it,” he said.

His biggest piece of advice? Embrace failure. “Don’t be afraid to fail. I feel like part of my high school journey was definitely shaped by my downs,” he said.

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Sports

UH women’s water polo adds 2 Europeans

Select an option below to continue reading this premium story. Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading. The University of Hawaii women’s water polo program, coming off back to back appearances in the national semifinals, announced two signings Monday. Coach James Robinson, entering his second season at the helm, said Asimina […]

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2 hours ago

June 3, 2025

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Sandi Rodriguez – Director of Student Athlete Services (Baseball, Soccer, Indoor/Beach VB, Softball) – Softball Support Staff

Sandi Rodriguez was named Assistant Director of Student Athlete Services in October 2018 after serving as the Administrative Assistant to Soccer, Softball and Tennis programs since 2015. Her current sport oversight includes Baseball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, & Indoor Volleyball. Prior to this appointment, Rodriguez served as an Administrative Assistant for Women’s Basketball, Men’s […]

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2 hours ago

June 3, 2025

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Sandi Rodriguez was named Assistant Director of Student Athlete Services in October 2018 after serving as the Administrative Assistant to Soccer, Softball and Tennis programs since 2015.

Her current sport oversight includes Baseball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, & Indoor Volleyball.

Prior to this appointment, Rodriguez served as an Administrative Assistant for Women’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Soccer, Softball, and Tennis from July 2015.

The Gray, LA. native, began her career as the McNeese Academic Study Lab Coordinator from January 2011 – June 2013. She received her Associate degree from McNeese in December 2010 and her Bachelor degree in December 2012.

Rodriguez is deeply involved in the community serving multiple roles within Pack 107 as a committee member, unit fundraising chair, unit advancement chair, and a pack administrator.

Rodriguez and her husband Jason have one son, Braedon.

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Sports

Demarshay Johnson Jr. Joins Beach Men’s Basketball

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State Men’s Basketball has secured the commitment of Demarshay Johnson Jr., as the big man will reunite with Chris Acker, transferring to the Beach from San Diego State. Demarshay Johnson Jr. | Center | 6-10, 220 | Richmond, Calif. A high-level Division I transfer with experience and […]

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3 hours ago

June 3, 2025

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LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State Men’s Basketball has secured the commitment of Demarshay Johnson Jr., as the big man will reunite with Chris Acker, transferring to the Beach from San Diego State.

Demarshay Johnson Jr. | Center | 6-10, 220 | Richmond, Calif.

A high-level Division I transfer with experience and familiarity with Chris Acker from their time together at San Diego State, Johnson comes to the Beach after four seasons with the Aztecs program, where he played in 39 games as a depth option in the post. Johnson appeared in 14 games as a junior, setting career highs of eight points and eight rebounds while playing at San Diego State. Coming out of high school as the No. 27 center in the nation, Johnson led Salesian College Prep to three TCAL titles.

Acker on Johnson:
“I had the pleasure of coaching Demarshay for three seasons at San Diego State. Each year I saw his drive and competitive spirit grow. He is now ready for the opportunity to take a major step forward. I saw him take huge strides in games last season where he was a huge reason why San Diego State won some of those games. His IQ, athleticism, and versatility defensively will help our defense take a major step forward this season. He’s also shown flashes of being able to impact games on the offensive end as well.”

The addition of Johnson Jr. gives Long Beach State another Division I transfer, joining Isaiah Lewis and Shaquil Bender as commits for the 2025-26 squad. He joins returner Derrick Michael Xzavierro and highly touted incoming freshman Dallas Washington in what should be an exciting front court next season.

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Gator legend Jac Caglianone receives long awaited call

The Kansas City Royals announced Sunday night they are calling up their top prospect — MLB’s No.10 prospect overall — former Gators first-baseman Jac Caglianone. Caglianone has been making his rounds in pro baseball. The left-handed power bat has been dominating the minor leagues — and can now dominate in the majors. Caglianone was a […]

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3 hours ago

June 3, 2025

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Gator legend Jac Caglianone receives long awaited call

The Kansas City Royals announced Sunday night they are calling up their top prospect — MLB’s No.10 prospect overall — former Gators first-baseman Jac Caglianone.

Caglianone has been making his rounds in pro baseball. The left-handed power bat has been dominating the minor leagues — and can now dominate in the majors.

Caglianone was a dynamo at Florida. In his three years at UF, he broke countless records. Not only did he have the record for the most home runs hit in a season, but he also broke the career record with 75 home runs at UF — one more than Matt Laporta‘s 74.

Go call your dad, Jac! pic.twitter.com/AtWHPDmAzW

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 2, 2025

Life After College

Caglianone’s power has translated well to pro ball. Since getting drafted last July, he has climbed his way through the minors. He started his career playing for the Quad City River Bandits in 2024. In 29 games, he batted .241 with two home runs and 14 RBIs.

He then got called up to the Royals’ Double A affiliate — the Northwest Arkansas Travelers. During his time in Northwest Arkansas, he played 38 games batting well above .300 and hit the cover off baseballs with nine home runs and 43 RBIs. This quick offensive explosion got him a call up to Triple A with the Omaha Storm Chasers.

In just 12 games as a Storm Chaser, he continued his offensive tear — hitting .319 with 6 home runs and 13 RBIs including five home runs in his first four games.

The (very quick) rise of Jac Caglianone:

2024:

Drafted No. 6 overall by Kansas City

2025:

38 Games in AA
.322 BA + 9 HRs + 43 RBIs

May 18th – Promoted AAA
11 Games in AAA
.326 BA + 6 HRs + 13 RBIs

June 1st – called up to the Kansas City Royals pic.twitter.com/4lKsCwR8oK

— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) June 2, 2025

Power Outage

The Royals have been getting their wins from their pitching staff. Kansas City’s team ERA is 3.13 — fourth best in baseball — and their strikeout to walk ratio as a team is just under 3-1. They are currently above .500, sitting at 31-29.

However, their run-scoring ability has left a lot to be desired. Kansas City has struggled to get their bats going all year. In 60 games played, the team has 198 runs scored on the season — tied for second worst in baseball. Kansas City also only has 34 home runs on the season — one less than the amount of homers Caglianone hit in his last year at UF and the least in the MLB.

Royals’ manager Matt Quatraro believes Caglianone could be a major spark for a struggling offense.

“He’s super talented,” Quatraro said during Spring Training. “When you see him step out onto the field, you can see that he’s athletic… he moves around the bag well and the power clearly stands out.”

JAC CAGLIANONE HOMER OUT OF THE BALLPARK @nwanaturals | @Royals | @KCRoyalsPD pic.twitter.com/WDLWHuvAG0

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 6, 2025

What’s Next for Cags?

The Royals have an off day before they hit the road. They will start their six-game road trip in St. Louis to take on their in-state rival Cardinals.

Caglianone is expected to make his major league debut tomorrow and it’s something that Gator fans and Royals fans have been looking forward to since draft day. He will be joining former Gator Jonathan India in the big leagues. First pitch at Busch Stadium is set for tomorrow at 7:45 p.m.

Sports

Two students protest transgender medalist at Oregon track and field state championships

Two high jumpers refused to accept their medals at Saturday’s Oregon state track and field championships, opting instead to protest the inclusion of a transgender athlete at Hayward Field. Tigard’s Alexa Anderson and Sherwood’s Reese Eckard (who finished third and fourth, respectively) stood on the back side of the podium and didn’t grab their medals. […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Two high jumpers refused to accept their medals at Saturday’s Oregon state track and field championships, opting instead to protest the inclusion of a transgender athlete at Hayward Field.

Tigard’s Alexa Anderson and Sherwood’s Reese Eckard (who finished third and fourth, respectively) stood on the back side of the podium and didn’t grab their medals.

One of the athletes, who tied for fifth in the high jump, is a transgender girl. The Oregonian/OregonLive is not naming the transgender athlete to protect her privacy.

Video from the day showed that a podium official gestured for Anderson and Eckard to move out of the way of the podium.

As of the 2024-25 school year, the OSAA’s policy on gender identity participation (Policy 37) allows student-athletes to participate in the activity that aligns with their “consistently asserted gender identity.”

Anderson told Fox News that she and Eckard protested at the podium in response to the OSAA’s policy that allows transgender students to participate in the sports that align with their gender identity.

“We didn’t refuse to stand on the podium out of hate. We did it because someone has to say this isn’t right,” she told Fox News. “In order to protect the integrity and fairness of girls sports we must stand up for what is right.”

The OSAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the student protest.

While there were no audible complaints from the crowd during the weekend, some attendees wore shirts that showed their displeasure with the OSAA’s current policy. Many wore shirts that said “Save girls sports” or shirts with “XX” on them to symbolize female chromosomes.

There was also some backlash on social media among anti-transgender accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter) like Riley Gaines and former tennis champion Martina Navratilova.

At the track and field state championships in 2024, McDaniels’ Ada Gallagher became the first known transgender student-athlete to win an individual state championship in Oregon. The OSAA keeps track of participation numbers in all activities, but the data does not include what gender a student was assigned at birth.

Gallagher’s time at Hayward Field last spring was a much different sight from this year’s state championships.

Last year’s 200- and 400-meter podium finishers were accompanied by Eugene law enforcement, and brought out to receive their medals by a different door on the ground floor at Hayward Field to ensure that they didn’t cross in front of fans in the stands.

Every time Gallagher’s name was called in the 2024 state meet, boos could be heard from the stands. They were loudest for the 200-meter dash final she won and were even louder when she was presented her medal.

This year, the Class 6A high jumpers were escorted to the field by an OSAA staffer. There was no visible law enforcement presence during the podium ceremony.

“We always review and try to learn from our events about how we can continue to provide a meaningful, championship experience to all student-athletes,” OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing transgender women and girls from participating in the sports that align with their gender identity.

A month later, that order was followed up with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opening an investigation into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association, claiming that the two entities are in violation of Title IX by allowing a transgender girl to compete in girls sports.

Weber has told The Oregonian/OregonLive that a policy that discriminates based on gender identity could lead to a loss of funding for schools under Oregon state law.

— Nik Streng covers high school sports in Oregon. Reach him at nstreng@oregonian.com or @NikStreng

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