Brooke Slusser's final college volleyball season at San Jose State was anything but ordinary. Marked by controversy surrounding transgender teammate Blaire Fleming, Slusser navigated a tumultuous year filled with legal battles, national headlines, and complex emotional challenges. From a pre-Thanksgiving magic show in Las Vegas, complete with a security detail, to a bittersweet holiday meal with teammates and families, the Spartans' journey to the Mountain West Conference championship was fraught with unusual circumstances.
Slusser, engaged in lawsuits against both the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference concerning Fleming's inclusion on the team, recounted the season's emotional toll. Sharing a room and locker room with Fleming without prior knowledge of Fleming's biological sex, as alleged in her lawsuit, left Slusser feeling betrayed by the university. The added stress of the legal proceedings and the national spotlight further intensified the situation.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Slusser continued to compete alongside Fleming, acknowledging Fleming's significant contribution to the team's success. Fleming's powerful spikes, a source of both admiration and apprehension for Slusser, propelled the Spartans through the season. However, Slusser admitted to a constant fear of her teammate's spikes injuring opponents, a concern amplified by viral clips of Fleming's forceful plays circulating online and drawing commentary from prominent figures like then President-elect Donald Trump.
The Spartans’ path to the championship game was paved with forfeits from opposing teams unwilling to compete against Fleming. This unusual dynamic added another layer of complexity to an already challenging season. While the forfeits secured their spot in the finals, the lack of game play leading up to the championship may have contributed to the team's ultimately disappointing performance. Despite Fleming's strong individual showing, the Spartans fell short against Colorado State.
For Slusser, the end of the season brought a sense of relief, marking the end of her time as Fleming’s teammate. However, the experience left a lasting impact, altering her perspective on trust and impacting her family. She expressed concerns about the future of college sports and the importance of careful consideration when choosing a program for her own children someday. Slusser's final season, a whirlwind of controversy and personal growth, serves as a reflection of the evolving landscape of college athletics and the complex issues surrounding gender identity in sports.
