WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Supports High School Girls Protesting Transgender Teammate
Cunningham previously commented on an Instagram post about the protest, stating 'Good work girls.'
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has publicly supported a group of Washington state high school girls who walked off a cross-country race course to protest the inclusion of a transgender teammate in girls' competition. Cunningham commented "Good work girls" on an Instagram post by XX-XY Athletics detailing the protest.
The incident occurred on October 13 at a cross-country meet involving Camas High School and Battle Ground. Approximately a dozen Camas High runners reportedly left the course in protest after a teammate, who had previously competed in boys' races, switched to the girls' competition.
This is not the first time Cunningham has voiced her stance on women's sports. In July, she was profiled by ESPN, where she discussed her belief that girls' and women's sports should be separated by biological sex to protect opportunities for female athletes. She rejected claims that her position indicated animosity toward transgender individuals.
Her previous public comments came after an incident at a Seattle Storm game in July. Two teenage fans attending a Fever-Storm game were reportedly confronted and verbally abused by a Storm co-owner for wearing shirts and holding a sign that supported Cunningham's views on women's sports. The WNBA subsequently fined and suspended the co-owner.
At the time of the Seattle incident, Cunningham reposted reporting on the controversy and wrote, "Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe." She also criticized the alleged conduct of the Storm co-owner, calling it "truly embarrassing" and indicative of her leadership. The Storm's majority owner, Ginny Gilder, issued an apology for the co-owner's remarks, stating that all fans should feel welcome.
The Indiana Fever organization stated that neither the team nor Cunningham had prior knowledge of the demonstration outside the Seattle arena.
Broader Context and Upcoming Vote
The protest by the Camas High School runners has drawn national attention and is set to be the subject of a rally planned for October 21 to support the girls. The dispute also comes as Washington state voters prepare to consider Initiative 638 on November 3. This ballot measure aims to prevent biologically male students from competing in female-only school sports and would require health care providers to verify biological sex. Supporters argue it would ensure fair competition, while opponents contend it would exclude transgender girls and create burdensome medical and privacy requirements.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has indicated that its current gender-identity eligibility policy aligns with state law and that it cannot implement restrictions that would violate this law. Amy Sousa, who helped organize previous demonstrations in support of Cunningham, is organizing the upcoming "Camas Courage" rally.