The Boise State Broncos emerged victorious in their Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball tournament opener against Utah State on Wednesday night. However, as they advance to the semifinal round, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over their potential matchup with the controversial San Jose State Spartans.
Following their hard-fought 25-19, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23 win over the third-seeded Aggies, the Broncos remained tight-lipped about their plans for Friday’s scheduled semifinal against second-seeded San Jose State. Boise State, along with several other Mountain West teams, had previously forfeited regular-season matches against the Spartans due to an ongoing dispute surrounding a San Jose State player’s eligibility.
A Season Marred by Controversy
The 2024 Mountain West volleyball season has been overshadowed by a polarizing situation at San Jose State University. A recent lawsuit filed in Colorado by players from various conference schools sought to bar an unnamed Spartan player from participating in the tournament, citing unspecified reports alleging that the athlete is transgender. While San Jose State has not commented on the player’s identity due to federal privacy laws, the controversy has led to a series of forfeits and a divisive atmosphere throughout the conference.
Legal Battle Ensues
On Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver ruled that the player in question is allowed to compete in the tournament. The following day, a federal appeals court upheld this decision, clearing the way for San Jose State to participate with their full roster intact. Despite these legal victories, the Spartans continue to face opposition from several conference rivals.
Boise State’s Dilemma
As one of the teams that previously forfeited against San Jose State, Boise State now finds itself in a precarious position. When asked about their intentions for Friday’s semifinal, Broncos spokesman Doug Link remained noncommittal, stating, “No decision’s been made. I don’t know what’s going to go on. I think we’re playing, but at this time there’s nothing more to say.”
Link declined to provide further details on the decision-making process, leaving fans and media to speculate about whether the choice will come down to a team vote or a university directive. Head coach Shawn Garus also sidestepped the issue, focusing solely on his team’s performance against Utah State in the post-match press conference.
Potential Semifinal Scenarios
Should Boise State elect to play, they will face a San Jose State squad that has been bolstered by the court rulings allowing their roster to remain intact. A Spartans victory would propel them into the championship match against either top-seeded Colorado State or No. 5 San Diego State, both of whom played San Jose State during the regular season without incident.
In the event of another Boise State forfeit, San Jose State would advance to the title game by default, setting the stage for a potentially unprecedented finish to an already tumultuous tournament.
A Season Unlike Any Other
As the Mountain West Conference volleyball tournament progresses, the spotlight remains fixed on the off-court drama that has defined the 2024 season. With Boise State’s semifinal intentions still unknown and San Jose State’s controversial campaign continuing to unfold, fans and players alike are left to grapple with the complex intersection of sports, ethics, and identity.
Regardless of the outcome, this year’s tournament will be remembered as a watershed moment for college athletics, sparking impassioned debates and prompting difficult conversations about inclusion, fairness, and the future of competitive sports.
