WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has voiced support for Washington high school girls who walked out of a cross-country race to protest a transgender teammate’s participation. The incident has sparked wider debate about gender eligibility in school sports and renewed attention to Cunningham’s position on women’s athletics.
Why Did the Camas High School Runners Walk Out?
During a meet against Battle Ground on October 13, more than a dozen runners from Camas High School left the track in protest. Their teammate had begun the season competing in boys’ races before transitioning to the girls’ competition.
The walkout quickly attracted national attention, prompting discussions about fairness, inclusion and eligibility rules in girls’ sports. Cunningham also weighed in, commenting on an Instagram post by XX-XY Athletics about the protest.
“Good work girls,” Cunningham wrote in response to the post, expressing support for the students’ actions.
The controversy has also prompted plans for a rally supporting the runners. Organisers scheduled the “Camas Courage” march for October 21, bringing renewed focus to the dispute.
Cunningham’s Earlier Dispute Over Women’s Sports
Cunningham has repeatedly argued that women’s and girls’ sports should remain separated by gender. However, she has rejected claims that her position reflects hostility towards transgender people.
In a July ESPN profile, she described her stance as an effort to protect opportunities for girls. Her latest comments also echo her earlier support for adolescent fans involved in a separate controversy at a Seattle Storm game.
During a Fever-Storm game at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, two teenage fans wore XX-XY Athletics jerseys and carried a sign praising Cunningham for standing up for girls. The Storm’s co-owner, Celeste Keaton, allegedly confronted the teenagers and used profanity against them.
The WNBA subsequently barred Keaton from attending Seattle’s next five home games and imposed an undisclosed fine.
Cunningham responded publicly after reposting coverage of the incident on X in July.
“Bravo to those gals for sticking up for what they believe,” Cunningham said.
She also stressed that people should remain kind despite disagreements and said she welcomed people regardless of gender identification. Nevertheless, she strongly criticised Keaton’s alleged conduct.
“Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately, it shows the type of leader she is,” Cunningham wrote.
Ginny Gilder, the Storm’s majority owner, expressed regret over the co-owner’s remarks. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to welcoming supporters and treating them with dignity.
“Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome,” Gilder said.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever stated that neither Cunningham nor the team had prior knowledge of the protest outside the Seattle arena or contact with its organisers.
Washington Initiative 638 Adds to the Debate
The Camas protest has also drawn attention to Washington’s upcoming vote on Initiative 638, scheduled for November 3. The proposal would require medical professionals to verify students’ biological sex and restrict biologically male students from participating in certain female-only school sports.
Supporters argue that the measure would protect fair competition in girls’ athletics. However, opponents say it would discriminate against transgender girls and introduce additional privacy and medical requirements.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) maintains that its gender-identity eligibility policy complies with state law. It also says the association cannot impose proposed restrictions that would violate existing law.
As the vote approaches, the dispute highlights the continuing disagreement over how schools should balance competitive fairness, inclusion and students’ rights.
Organisers Prepare for the October 21 March
Amy Sousa, who helped organise protests supporting Cunningham during the WNBA season, is planning the “Camas Courage” march. The event aims to show support for the students involved in the cross-country walkout.
“You should not have to become student activists. Adults are now taking the reins, and adults are standing up,” Sousa said in an interview.
The planned march comes as the controversy continues to attract attention beyond the school competition. Cunningham’s endorsement has further amplified the debate, while Washington’s upcoming ballot measure could shape discussions about eligibility in girls’ school sports.
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