**Controversy surrounds a transgender athlete who helped a girls’ high school relay team win state championships and secured a spot in collegiate women’s sports.**
Diamond Solorzano, a reported transgender-identifying male, was central in the success of North Valleys High School’s girls’ track and field team at the Nevada state championships in May 2023. The Independent Council on Women’s Sports first reported the story, which has raised questions around the fairness of trans-athlete participation in sports.
Solorzano competed in the 4×200 meter and 4×400 meter relay races, securing invaluable points for North Valleys High School. The performance was so outstanding that Solorzano has been recruited to play women’s volleyball at Lassen College. The athlete expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m really honored to play at the next level.”
The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has faced criticism for allowing Solorzano to participate in these events. However, the NIAA maintains its 2016 stance, permitting students to join sports teams consistent with their public gender identity. Schools then determine the student’s gender based on their overall daily life.
**As the debate rages on, one must question whether the inclusion of trans athletes in gender-specific sports is genuinely fair. Until a definitive resolution can be reached, these cases will continue to provoke questions and concerns.**
