NCAA Softball Player Reports Death Threat Amidst Women's Sports Activism

Colorado Christian University sophomore Kendall Kotzmacher, an NCAA softball player, has reported a death threat she received for her activism advocating against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. The threat, which stated the individual intended to come to her school and kill her, has intensified a pattern of online harassment that has also extended to her teammates.

Kotzmacher, 20, stated that she reported the serious threat to her university and has been documenting other concerning messages received over the summer. As of her account, no arrests have been made. She also described receiving messages urging her to commit suicide or stating she should die.

The public nature of her advocacy, including speaking out after a 2025 Minnesota high school semifinal game where the opposing team included a transgender pitcher, has made her a target. Kotzmacher expressed concern about her teammates, some of whom have publicly supported her activism. She noted that an individual had investigated her teammates' social media accounts and personal information. Kotzmacher offered to remove her teammates' names from her social media posts to shield them from backlash, but they refused, expressing solidarity.

Her activism intensified after transferring to Colorado Christian University from Western Michigan University. In a September op-ed, she cited a lack of coaching support and academic pressure as reasons for her transfer. The issue of transgender athletes in women's sports has become a significant focus of her public advocacy.

Kotzmacher participated in a Capitol Hill news conference on September 23, following a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on fairness, opportunity, and safety for female athletes. She criticized the limited participation of Democratic senators in the hearing, urging them to listen to the experiences of female athletes.

She has also voiced her support for Republican Senate nominee Michele Tafoya, who has made transgender participation in sports a central part of her campaign. Kotzmacher has participated in rallies in Minneapolis, where she previously reported being told by a counterprotester that she should have been aborted.

In recognition of her stance, Kotzmacher was named a Courage Wins Champion by XX-XY Athletics, an organization that honors female athletes who advocate for fairness, opportunity, or safety. The recognition acknowledges the personal sacrifices she has made, including losing friends and facing ongoing hostility.

Despite the challenges, Kotzmacher remains committed to speaking out, motivated by the prospect of younger girls facing similar experiences. She believes that using her voice and platform is crucial for driving change.