The discussion about transgender athletes competing in sports has really heated up this week, especially after a Minnesota high school softball team made headlines by winning the state championship with a trans player on their roster.
This victory didn’t just bring cheers—it ignited a fiery exchange between two prominent voices with very different views.
Riley Gaines Sparks Controversy Over Minnesota Softball Team
Riley Gaines, a former competitive swimmer turned political commentator, threw fuel on the fire when she shared a photo of the Champlin Park softball team celebrating their state title.
Gaines, 25, who gained attention for competing against trans swimmer Lia Thomas in the pool, captioned the photo with a blunt and critical message about the team’s transgender pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger. Gaines wrote, “Comments off lol.
To be expected when your star player is a boy.” Her comments were quickly noticed and stirred quite the backlash.
Simone Biles Fires Back With a Strong Defense
Simone Biles, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist known for her strength and grace, didn’t hold back in responding to Gaines.
Biles called out Gaines for her harsh stance, labeling her a “sore loser” for campaigning against trans athletes simply because she lost a race.
Biles urged Gaines to support inclusion, suggesting the creation of a separate transgender category in sports to ensure everyone feels safe and valued.
Biles tweeted: “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser.
You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!!”
She didn’t stop there, later adding, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Gaines Doubles Down on Her Position
Not one to back down, Gaines fired back saying it’s not her responsibility—or any woman’s—to figure out how to include “men” in women’s sports spaces.
She accused Biles of being a “male-apologist” and defended her position as the least controversial stance out there.
Gaines went so far as to suggest Biles try competing in men’s gymnastics events in the future, mocking the idea of her supporting trans athletes.
Gaines wrote, “My take is the least controversial take on the planet.
Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams? Didn’t have that on my bingo card.
Maybe she could compete in pommel horse and rings in 2028.”
The Personal Barbs Get Heated
The online spat got even more personal when Biles compared Gaines’ appearance to a man, which Gaines quickly responded to with a light-hearted jab about her height.
“And the subtle hint at ‘body-shaming’???? Plzzzz I’m 5’5”,” Gaines said.
The debate also extended beyond the two, as Biles responded to a comment from a Trump supporter explaining why men’s gymnastics has events like rings that women’s gymnastics doesn’t.
Biles replied sharply, questioning the commenter’s reading comprehension and taking a stand against oversimplifying biological differences.
The Background of Trans Pitcher Marissa Rothenberger
At the heart of the controversy is Marissa Rothenberger, the transgender pitcher who helped lead the Champlin Park softball team to victory.
Born biologically male as Charlie Dean, Rothenberger’s mother legally changed her birth certificate and name after her ninth birthday, officially recognizing her as female.
This background adds layers of complexity to the debate about fairness and inclusion in high school sports.
What’s Next in the Trans Athlete Debate?
This clash between Biles and Gaines is just one example of the larger national conversation unfolding in the United States.
With more transgender athletes competing at various levels, sports communities, lawmakers, and fans are all trying to figure out how to balance inclusion with fair competition.
The Minnesota championship win and the heated responses on social media show just how divided opinions remain.