Wrestler's Lawyers Urge Supreme Court to Hear Assault Allegation Case

Attorneys for a Washington state high school wrestler who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a transgender opponent are urging the Supreme Court to intervene, pushing back against arguments that her claimed harm is "manufactured."

In an October 15 filing, lawyers from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) accused the Puyallup School District, Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) of deflecting responsibility for providing protections.

"Defendants’ briefs mostly point the finger at each other, trying to pass the buck for the harm inflicted," the ADF attorneys wrote in a reply supporting the student, identified as Kallie Keeler, and her mother, Stephanie Brown.

The attorneys rejected the argument that the family's concerns could be adequately addressed by simply withdrawing from competition, stating, "Exit isn’t accommodation. It’s the injury, and Brown and K.M.K. are suffering it now."

Keeler alleges the assault occurred during a girls' wrestling match in December 2025. Pierce County prosecutors declined to file criminal charges. Her family is seeking protection against being matched with male opponents while their lawsuit proceeds.

The state defendants argued that the "irreparable" nature of the claimed harm was manufactured and questioned the justification for immediate court intervention. The district stated that Brown could decline matches without district-imposed penalties and cited supportive measures, an expedited school transfer, and an ongoing Title IX investigation.

However, ADF countered that the defendants collectively control eligibility, participation, and competition rules. "Defendants each disclaim full power, but in so doing, they ignore that together they hold it all," the reply states.

ADF also challenged the suggestion that the family should wait for the ordinary appeals process, noting that the district's appellate answering brief is due November 19, just three days after wrestling practices begin. The family's objection to an extension was overridden, according to ADF.

Alongside its Title IX request, ADF outlined an alternative accommodation: officials would withdraw Keeler, or notify her mother to withdraw her, when they know or have reason to know an opponent is male. Under this proposal, Keeler's opponent would advance, and she would continue in the consolation bracket.

The district court and the Ninth Circuit previously denied temporary relief. The Supreme Court application remained pending as of Friday, with the family's reply listed on the docket but no ruling issued.