Wyoming Tennis Official Resigns Over Transgender Athlete’s Participation

In protest against the decision of the Wyoming Tennis Association to allow a college athlete who is transgender to compete in the Wyoming Governor’s Cup in 2023, the president resigned citing the fairness of competition.

The Cowboy State Daily reported that Jackie Fulkrod resigned last week from her position as former president of the Cheyenne Tennis Association Board due to Brooklyn Ross’ participation at the Women’s Open Singles tournament of the Governor’s Cup in Cheyenne. This tournament is scheduled to start on Friday.

Fulkrod said, “I believe a man playing a woman in a specific draw is an unfair matchup because it’s meant specifically for women.” “I think that having a transgender competitor compete in the women’s draw goes against what I value and believe.”

She later said, “My decision to leave was solely because we had no way to protect either our organization or our female athletes who will be participating in the tournament.”

Ross, who is a Colorado native and plays tennis for the University of Texas at Tyler women’s team, was named PacWest Freshman of the Year in the 2020-21 season at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Ross, who made the transition six years ago expressed his sadness at Fulkrod’s resignation.

Ross said, “I’m sad that this woman has quit over this.” “I don’t see any reason for it.”

When contacted for comment, Peg Connor provided the USTA statement on transgender sportsmen and women.

Tennis thrives when it embraces inclusion. Tennis is therefore open to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity or race, religious background, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.

The USTA’s transgender inclusion policy, which uses both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Tennis Federation (ITF) policies as guides, was updated in 2016 and has been in effect since then to ensure fair and inclusive competition for everyone.

Ross said, “I’m sad that this woman resigned because of this.” “I don’t see any reason for it.”

When contacted for comment, Peg Connor provided the USTA statement on transgender sportsmen and women.

Tennis thrives when it embraces inclusion. Tennis is therefore open to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity or race, religious background, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.

The USTA’s transgender inclusion policy, which uses both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Tennis Federation policies as guideposts, has been updated in 2016, and in place since then, helping to ensure fair and inclusive competition for everyone.