For trans student-athletes, the Supreme Court’s ruling is just the latest blow

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Amid a drumbeat of state and federal policies restricting transgender rights, the court’s decision left some trans athletes and their advocates angry and afraid.

Photo illustration of young people playing football and running against a transgender pride flag and Supreme Court; words reading "Sports for all" and "Protect womens sports."

Twenty-seven states have enacted measures prohibiting trans athletes from playing school sports on teams that align with their gender identities.Chelsea Stahl / NBC News; Getty Images

July 1, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT

By Jo Yurcaba

It was about 90 degrees Tuesday in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and Parker Tirrell, 17, was on her way out the door to go swimming with a friend when her mom broke the news: The Supreme Court had upheld a West Virginia law banning transgender athletes from competing on girls’ and women’s sports teams.

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