Students respond after judge grants temporary return of women’s sports

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – Though they were recently cut by SFA, female student athletes will return to playing in their sport programs, at least for now. A Lufkin federal court ruled for the programs to be reinstated after granting a temporary injunction under a Title IX argument.

The school cut bowling and volleyball, both all-female sports. Cuts also included the women’s and men’s golf teams back in May.

“We’re fighting for women’s rights in women’s athletics,” said beach volleyball player Ryann Allison.

She is one of six female students who filed the lawsuit against SFA, accusing the school of violating Title IX protections. Allison was with her family when she was told of the court ruling.

“Finally seeing a call from my attorney, it was very nerve wracking but very exciting. We were definitely really, really excited to hear the news,” she said.

A federal judge in Lufkin ruled last Friday the university must reinstate the programs while a Title IX lawsuit works its way through the courts.

“This is an important victory for the women athletes, not only at SFA, but across the country,” said the plaintiff’s attorney Arthur Bryant.

The ruling also includes that SFA will not be allowed to cut any other women’s sports program, too, for the time being. However, resuming play won’t be so simple.

As a returning student athlete, Allison said she was notified by the school they are actively working on getting a new coach for the team. They will return with six players.

“Its very reassuring to know that I will still have that routine that I depend on throughout my college career,” she said.

Competition season begins in the spring, which Allison believes will give her team enough time to fill up its roster.

“I’m very confident it’s a very doable task,” said Allison.

SFA released a statement Friday evening saying they respect the court’s decision but that they will proceed with an appeal.

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