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Maine community not backing down from Trump’s transgender athlete attacks

President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against Maine over the state’s failure to comply with his executive order banning transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports teams at schools, marking an escalation in an ongoing feud between the state and federal government. On April 16, the Department of Justice filed the lawsuit against Maine […]

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President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against Maine over the state’s failure to comply with his executive order banning transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports teams at schools, marking an escalation in an ongoing feud between the state and federal government.

On April 16, the Department of Justice filed the lawsuit against Maine over its alleged violation of Title IX, a federal civil rights law banning sex discrimination in schools and colleges, for allowing transgender girls to play on girls’ sports teams at schools. The lawsuit claims that Maine policies expose female athletes to “heightened risks of physical injury and psychological harm” and “denies them equal athletic opportunities,” echoing misconceptions about transgender girls in sports, NPR reported.

Amid the ongoing battle between the state and the federal administration, local community members in Maine, including teachers, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and the governor, have adamantly pushed back on Trump’s fascism and punitive actions against the state.

“We’ve seen so much support for trans youth and trans folks in general coming together, whether that is individuals in certain communities standing up to school boards, or even [Maine Gov.] Janet Mills speaking directly to Donald Trump in support of trans people, which is so great to see, and something that I don’t think would be the same in a lot of different states if they were facing this issue,” Ellie Roy, the communications coordinator at Out Maine, told Prism.

A battle with the Trump administration

The ongoing feud between the state and federal government started in February, when Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby doxxed a transgender athlete in Maine in a social media post. In the post, she referenced the Maine Principals’ Association’s policy that allows transgender athletes to participate in scholastic sports in accordance with the Maine Human Rights Act, a longstanding law that grants protections from gender identity discrimination in employment, education, housing, and public accommodations.

Shortly after a meeting with governors on Feb. 21, Trump threatened to pull funding over the state’s refusal to comply with his executive order, resulting in a public spat with Mills.

Bre Danvers-Kidman, the executive co-director of Maine TransNet, told Prism that Libby’s attack thrust Maine into a national spotlight, prompting attention from Trump.

“Maine, for 20 years, has offered greater protection to trans people than the federal government requires us to. The president can’t just unilaterally sweep those protections away just because he feels like it. That’s not how the law works,” they said. 

The state and federal governments have continuously clashed over the issue this year, with judges blocking efforts to withhold federal funding. 

“At the federal level, trans youth in particular are being used as a scapegoat for a lot of different ongoing political issues [and] just being used as a weapon to further the agenda of more conservative folks, which is deeply unfortunate and completely unfair to that population who is already facing so much hate and discrimination,” Roy said.

Following an investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights determined on March 17 that the Maine Principals’ Association; the Maine Department of Education; and Greely High School in Cumberland Center, Maine were in violation of Title IX.

Both the association and the high school refused to comply with the executive order, despite the investigation’s conclusion that they would “continue to follow state law and the Maine Human Rights Act.”

Shortly after receiving a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on April 11, Greely High School was unable to access its funds for its child nutrition program, prompting the state to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration to reinstate access. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order the same day, ordering Trump to unfreeze Maine’s federal funds.

In an emailed statement to Prism, Maine Education Association President Jesse Hargrove said that although the funds given to Maine’s school districts are essential for its students and educators, “it is equally important to create affirming communities where all students, regardless of race or gender, are respected and safe.”

Allies stand in support of Maine’s transgender athletes

Several rallies have been held across towns in Maine this year. On March 23, transgender athletes, parents, and state representatives gathered at Greely High School to stand in solidarity with trans students. 

Danvers-Kidman, who also attended the protest, said the protest was especially heartwarming because it was led and organized by the community, rather than local LGBTQIA+ organizations.

“The support for the trans students in that school was overwhelming. It is clearly a majority that is completely fine with the trans girls, trans people in general, participating in school sports. It should be a nonissue,” Roy said.

Stacie Bourassa, a parent of a transgender athlete who attended the protest with her husband Andrew, told Prism that she wanted to cry seeing thousands of people supporting transgender students.

“That day showed me we have a majority. We have common sense. We want to support our youth and people of all identities, so we are not the minority,” she said.

Prism reached out to several trans athletes in Maine, who declined to comment due to doxxing risks.

Transgender people fight for belonging in sports

The Bourassas’ transgender child was a top student athlete growing up, playing several sports and engaging in various extracurricular activities at school. But he “knew firsthand how unwelcoming” his peers and teachers were, Stacie Bourassa said, noting that he experienced discrimination and hostility that led him to quit school sports at age 15. 

“It was a very painful experience to see his options limited as just an exceptional, remarkable member of his school community, with a lot of privilege and resources and still not those options of equal participation,” she said, adding that her child is now thriving as an adult. 

Stacie explained that the debate on transgender kids in sports is a red herring, and that if it were a real issue for transgender kids to play on their school sports teams, then “we would have heard about it 40 years ago, way back when trans people started openly competing in sports.” 

“It’s not really about supporting kids or supporting women’s sports. They’re not putting resources toward that. We know they’re underfunded. They don’t have the things they need,” Andrew Bourassa said. “These bills are about exclusion. They’re not about inclusion.” 

Since his presidential campaign, Trump has spread transphobic rhetoric and been a strong opponent of transgender inclusion in sports, among other transgender rights.

Opponents argue that transgender girls have an unfair advantage over athletes who were assigned female at birth. However, experts argue that there is a lack of evidence to support this claim. According to the American Civil Liberties Union and medical experts, transgender athletes’ abilities vary, similar to cisgender athletes, and everyone has different advantages regardless of gender. 

Andrew added that research has shown that transgender student athletes gain much from participating in sports, including resilience and skill-building that enables them to become successful individuals. 

Roy said that a blanket ban on transgender girls’ participation in school sports won’t just hurt transgender people, but all girls, especially girls of color, because it could result in them being subjected to invasive gender tests. While these tests aren’t being proposed in Maine, they’re happening in other states like Texas as part of a new transgender policy, with a proposed requirement that athletes who compete in women’s sports undergo these tests. 

“It blatantly violates their privacy, and that will become the reality if bans like this were to go into effect. That’ll affect not just trans girls, but all girls, all kids in general,” she said. “It’s going to make school communities really fearful and distrustful of the leadership in the state and at the school level, not to mention also confusion for students, families, educators, everybody.” 

She continued: “This sports ban is just a way to further misogyny, the idea that girls can’t be strong on their own, and if they are strong, then ‘Oh, they must have been born a man,’ which is so discriminatory and hateful and just honestly disgusting.” 

Maine refuses to back down

Following the lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Maine, both Mills and Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey released statements once again emphasizing their refusal to back down.

“This matter has never been about school sports or the protection of women and girls, as has been claimed, it is about states rights and defending the rule of law against a federal government bent on imposing its will, instead of upholding the law,” Mills said, adding that she will “vigorously defend [the] state.”

Danvers-Kidman said this battle with the administration distracts from other issues transgender people are facing under this administration, such as a policy that bars changing gender markers on passports and the use of the “X” marker for gender identification.

Despite Trump’s ongoing attacks and threats built on debunked myths about transgender people, LGBTQIA+ advocates anticipate that state leaders and community members won’t back down or give in.

“Speaking from my own perspective, we are not willing to compromise on trans rights or queer rights in general. And that is the mindset that most organizations here in Maine are operating under. We will continue to fight,” Roy said. 

Editorial Team:
Carolyn Copeland, Lead Editor
Lara Witt, Top Editor
Stephanie Harris, Copy Editor



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Sports in brief: District 65 Tournaments slated | Youth Sports

District 65 Tournaments are about to begin The District 65 Little League 12’s, 11’s, 10’s and Tournament of Stars tourneys will begin Saturday, except the 10’s tournament, which will begin June 21. The Nipomo Little League will host the 12’s tournament. Atascadero will host the 11’s tourney, Lompoc will host the 10’s tournament and Village […]

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District 65 Tournaments are about to begin

Lompoc coaching opening



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Vanderbilt Football | Times, Windows Set for Rest of Football Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Additional game times and windows for Vanderbilt football’s eight SEC games were released by the league office on Wednesday, less than two weeks after kickoff times and television information was announced for the Commodores’ first three contests of the fall. Vandy’s final two nonconference matchups with Georgia State (Sept. 20) and Utah […]

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Additional game times and windows for Vanderbilt football’s eight SEC games were released by the league office on Wednesday, less than two weeks after kickoff times and television information was announced for the Commodores’ first three contests of the fall.

Vandy’s final two nonconference matchups with Georgia State (Sept. 20) and Utah State (Sept. 27) will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT and 11:45 a.m., respectively, at FirstBank Stadium, while it was also revealed that the Dores’ game at Texas on Nov. 1 will kick off at 11 a.m.

All other contests in the fall were designated a window of early (11 a.m.-noon), afternoon (2:30-3:30 p.m.), night (5-7 p.m.) or flex (afternoon or night). Flex games, which are limited in scope, will be narrowed to a specific window 12 days prior to kickoff, with precise times and broadcast networks for those matchups announced six days prior to kickoff.

This marks the second season that the SEC will use this system, which was designed to help ESPN and ABC have maximum flexibility to present the top games as the season goes on while also providing more advance knowledge of game timing to assist with game day planning.

2025 Vanderbilt Football Kickoff Times & Windows (all times Central)
Aug. 30 vs. Charleston Southern – 6 p.m. (ESPN+/SEC+)
Sept. 6 at Virginia Tech – 6:30 p.m. (ACCN)
Sept. 13 at South Carolina – 6 or 6:45 p.m. (ESPN or SECN)
Sept. 20 vs. Georgia State – 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2 or ESPNU)
Sept. 27 vs. Utah State – 11:45 a.m. (SECN)
Oct. 4 at Alabama – Flex (2:30-3:30 p.m. OR 5-7 p.m.)
Oct. 18 vs. LSU – Early (11 a.m.-noon)
Oct. 25 vs. Missouri – Flex (2:30-3:30 p.m. OR 5-7 p.m.)
Nov. 1 at Texas – 11 a.m. (ABC or ESPN)
Nov. 8 vs. Auburn – Afternoon (2:30-3:30 p.m.)
Nov. 22 vs. Kentucky – Afternoon (2:30-3:30 p.m.)
Nov. 29 at Tennessee – Afternoon (2:30-3:30 p.m.)

More information on tickets for the Commodores’ 2025 season is available here, while limited seating remains available in the brand-new Commodore Club premium seating in the south end zone.





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Creighton University breaks ground on softball and baseball fields

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Creighton University leaders and others broke ground, Wednesday on the over 200 thousand square foot softball competition field and baseball practice field. The softball field will have enhanced facilities like a dugout, dedicated bullpen, and a video board. The baseball field will serve not only as a practice field, but as […]

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OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Creighton University leaders and others broke ground, Wednesday on the over 200 thousand square foot softball competition field and baseball practice field.

The softball field will have enhanced facilities like a dugout, dedicated bullpen, and a video board.

The baseball field will serve not only as a practice field, but as a training ground for Omaha youth sports and teams heading to the College World Series.

“The two other important realities are keep helping building Omaha’s urban core and celebrating the relationship with the College World Series which is 75 years strong,” said Creighton University President Rev. Daniel Hendrickson.

The total cost is estimated to be around $30 million.

The estimated completion of the softball field is this fall and the baseball field will be ready in June 2026.

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Campers, instructors mingle during Hancock baseball camp | Youth Sports

As the third day of the first of two Hancock Summer Baseball Camps commenced at Hancock College’s John Osborne Field Wednesday, campers and instructors took part in an enthusiastic game of pickup baseball (actually, the ball was a tennis ball). “Get there, get there!,” an instructor called on a fly ball between two campers. “Call […]

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As the third day of the first of two Hancock Summer Baseball Camps commenced at Hancock College’s John Osborne Field Wednesday, campers and instructors took part in an enthusiastic game of pickup baseball (actually, the ball was a tennis ball).

“Get there, get there!,” an instructor called on a fly ball between two campers. “Call it!, call it!”

“We got two outs!,” an instructor exclaimed, as a camper threw to a fielder on a makeshift second base for a force out.

Hancock head baseball coach Chris Stevens is helping oversee Hancock’s 25th annual edition of the camps this week. There will be a camp next week as well.

The camps are coed. Youngsters ages 5-13 are eligible. 

“We have 36 campers in this camp, and in the camp next week we’re already at 45,” Stevens said.

“Our numbers are down some. Last year we were in the 70’s, up to 90. Average for us is in the 50’s.”

Nonetheless, “It’s been going great,” this year, said Stevens. “Our instructors have been great, and the kids are having a lot of fun.

“We try to keep the kids busy, but we also try to give them some experience.”

Brayden Nunes, 12, and Donny Shiffrar, 11, are veteran Hancock Baseball Camp campers. Nunes has been coming to both winter and summer Hancock camps for six years. Shiffrar has been coming to Hancock winter and summer camps for five.

“I like it that we can learn a bunch more stuff, and that all the kids in the camp are nice,” said Nunes. The right-handed Nunes played shortstop and pitches for the Orcutt American Little League Rangers.

Shiffrar is a right-handed second baseman for the Orcutt National Cardinals.

“What I like most about the camp are the Hancock players,” said Shiffrar. “They’re pretty cool.”

Andrew Sandoval is in his first year of working at a Hancock camp. The freshman Pioneer Valley graduate played shortstop for the Bulldogs this past season.

“I like being out here with the kids and teaching them the right way to play the game,” Sandoval said Wednesday.

“I like seeing them get better. That’s the best part.”



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Campers, instructors mingle during Hancock baseball camp | Youth Sports

As the third day of the first of two Hancock Summer Baseball Camps commenced at Hancock College’s John Osborne Field Wednesday, campers and instructors took part in an enthusiastic game of pickup baseball (actually, the ball was a tennis ball). “Get there, get there!,” an instructor called on a fly ball between two campers. “Call […]

Published

on


As the third day of the first of two Hancock Summer Baseball Camps commenced at Hancock College’s John Osborne Field Wednesday, campers and instructors took part in an enthusiastic game of pickup baseball (actually, the ball was a tennis ball).

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Why I Became a High School Umpire—Even After Getting Ridiculed Behind the Plate

Yes, I could easily focus solely on the negative, because my worst fears were indeed realized. But I’m not going to in this instance.  This past spring, after years of writing about high school sports for a variety of publications, I decided to try and give back to kids, parents and coaches in another way […]

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Yes, I could easily focus solely on the negative, because my worst fears were indeed realized. But I’m not going to in this instance. 

This past spring, after years of writing about high school sports for a variety of publications, I decided to try and give back to kids, parents and coaches in another way by registering to become an umpire in both baseball and softball. 

I did it despite the horror stories of umpire abuse throughout the country, and sure enough, I endured one of those experiences. 

While working behind home plate, the head coach of one baseball team called time for the sole purpose of berating my strike zone and saying I was responsible for having his pitcher throw more pitches than he should be. 

After calling the next two pitches strikes — because they actually were in my eyes, not based on what the berating coach was saying — the other coach called time to and accused me of changing calls based on the other coach arguing. 

All the while, parents and other fans were giving mock cheers and chiming in with their thoughts loudly. 

There have been other times of ridicule as well, even if not as demonstrative. 

Again though, I’m not here to focus on any of that. For every bad experience, there have been 10 other great ones of players, coaches and parents showing way more support than I expected when starting this venture. 

No doubt, maybe people are fully understanding why there is such a drastic referring shortage nationwide, with the National Federation of State High School Associations reporting that more than 50,000 officials have left the profession since 2018-19. 

It doesn’t matter that there is always work available and the pay is good, whether it’s extra cash to supplement another career, quick money to be made in the midst of a job transition, or a way to make money and stay active in retirement. People are still getting out of it.  

It can’t be understated how much that impacts kids and a multi-billion dollar youth sports industry that pulls in more money than the NFL and MLB combined. 

If there are no officials, there are no games. If there are no games, then the life lessons, opportunities and memories playing sports can offer don’t exist. 

For anyone hesitant to get into refereeing or umpiring, focus on what you are giving back and how much you can impact lives forever. Don’t focus on any potential ridicule or abuse, as it can easily happen anyway in everyday life. 

Much like kids are taught to learn from mistakes and simply work to get better, the same logic can apply to people getting into refereeing or umpiring for the first time. Spend time to get experience and learn the craft. It can actually feel good to be on the same wavelength as the kids in that regard in that we are all learning and striving to be better every day. 

Even with the ridicule that can be received during the process, from my experience, don’t quit that easily.

The reward of giving back to kids and communities and ensuring they are soaking in all that sports have to offer is way greater. 

Because of that, people can ridicule me all they want. I’m going to battle and fight for these kids no matter what going forward. 

If anyone is thinking about taking the plunge and getting into refereeing or umpiring, you can do the same. Don’t let the potential of abuse win. Kids, families and communities are counting on it. 



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