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Fox News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Minnesota transgender softball pitcher left out of All-State selections
A transgender high school pitcher in Minnesota was not included in an annual coaches' poll of All-State selections despite a dominant season that ended with a championship. The trans athlete, Marissa Rothenberger of Champlin Park High School, was absent from the Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association list of 2025 All-State honors. Rothenberger previously made the list as a first-team All-State selection in Class AAAA in 2024. Rothenberger also won all-tournament honors in 2025. This year, Rothenberger was left off the list despite a 12-1 record, a 0.74 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP. Rothenberger's 0.74 ERA was among the best in the state, and the athlete pitched five straight games in the postseason, giving up just one earned run in 35 innings while striking out 27 batters. Rothenberger also went 5-for-16 at the plate, with two doubles, three RBIs and a run scored in the Rebels' run to the 2025 AAAA Minnesota softball state championship. The pitcher's 2024 season, recognized with first-team All-State honors, did include a better ERA at 0.40. A Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association source told Fox News Digital selections are determined through a vote of member coaches, and an athlete must be nominated by her own coach to be considered. Fox News Digital has reached out to Champlin Park High School softball head coach Bryan Woodley asking if he nominated Rothenberger. Rothenberger's presence in Minnesota girls softball brought national scrutiny, a lawsuit and a federal investigation this year. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a Title IX investigation into the state of Minnesota June 27, citing a male softball pitcher who had won a state championship. The state was already under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for its laws allowing biological males in girls sports and defying President Donald Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order. That investigation was elevated to a federal Title IX investigation team, which operates in conjunction with the Department of Justice, June 12. Three softball players in Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the state, citing their experiences competing against a biological male. The organization representing the plaintiffs suing the state over its policies, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), previously provided a statement from one of the female players about her experience facing the trans athlete. "Hitting against him is not only a physical challenge but a mental, too. It's a mental battle knowing that he has an advantage in the sport that I grew up playing, making it hard to even want to hit against him," the player said. "His ability to get outs and spin the ball is a strong advantage, but, like I said, it's also incredibly mentally challenging knowing that you're competing against someone who has unfair advantages leaving you with little to no confidence. "This issue has affected me in ways that I never imagined. It's simply unfair, and I hate that nothing is happening to change that. Boys should not be able to take girls' spots on teams just because they are capable of doing so. I hope that more girls affected by this issue will stand up against this." The anonymous player also called out Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for aggressively defending trans inclusion in girls sports in the state. Ellison has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and the U.S. Department of Justice over Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order. "It's really upsetting to know that [Ellison] isn't taking rights of girls and women seriously. He is allowing boys to compete with girls, and it is not safe and completely unfair. To know that AG Ellison is in complete support of letting boys and men take advantage of females in sports is absolutely disgusting and wrong," the player added. The Champlin Park School District provided a statement to Fox News Digital defending the decision to allow the athlete to compete on the softball team. "Throughout the entire season, and as the Rebels advance to the state tournament, it is important to note that all of the student-athletes participating for the Champlin Park Softball team are eligible to compete in compliance with Minnesota State High School League rules and applicable state law. Due to data privacy laws, the district is not able to provide public comment regarding a specific student-athlete," a statement from the Anoka-Hennepin School District stated. "In addition, the district is named in an active lawsuit, which limits what information can be shared." Ellison's office previously released a statement responding to the lawsuit against the state over Rothenberger's participation in the girls softball season. "In addition to getting exercise and the fun of competition, playing sports comes with so many benefits for young people. You build friendships that can last a lifetime, you learn how to work as part of a team and you get to feel like you belong," Ellison said. "I believe it is wrong to single out one group of students who already face higher levels of bullying and harassment and tell these kids they cannot be on the team because of who they are. I will continue to defend the rights of all students to play sports with their friends and peers." The controversy involving Rothenberger was a catalyst for a viral feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines in June. Biles initially called out Gaines in response to a post by Gaines pointing out that the Minnesota State High School League disabled comments on its post announcing Champlin Park's softball team as state champions. A January 2025 New York Times/Ipsos survey found the vast majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, don't think transgender athletes should be permitted to compete in women's sports. Of the 2,128 people who participated, 79% said biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democratic, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Coahoma two-way standout leads Texas 3A all-state softball team
LONGVIEW, Texas (AP) — The Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State softball team, distributed by The Associated Press: FIRST TEAM Pitcher: Hannah Wells, Coahoma; Hayden Mowrey, S&S Consolidated; Madi Doty, Grandview Catcher: Mia Clemmer, Coahoma First base: Bree Lewis, Coahoma Second base: Jaidyn Marshall, White Oak Third base: Presley Kilgore, Rains Shortstop: Jaley James, Grandview Outfield: Camryn Milam, Tatum; Sydney Mann, Grandview; Emma Rekieta, Franklin DH/DP/Flex: Addison McClanahan, White Oak Utility: Sutton McClain, Clyde Player of the year: Wells Coach of the year: Alexander Orosco, Coahoma ___ SECOND TEAM Pitcher: Abby Atkinson, Boyd; Avery Rodriguez, Coahoma; Avery Howerton, Whitesboro Catcher: Jae Jae Phillips, Troy First base: Aubrie Mathews, Lexington Second base: Averie Mathews, Lexington Third base: Keegan Mayhue, West Shortstop: Bradi Gallaway, Whitesboro Outfield: Journee White, Little River Academy; Kaedyn Lee, Coahoma; Addi Hart, Coahoma DH/DP/Flex: Kylie Grafa, Grandview Utility: Charlee Sanches, Orangefield ___ THIRD TEAM Pitcher: Teal Kibodeaux, Orangefield; Izy Garcia, Troy; Taylor Akin, Lexington Catcher: Mackenzie Clark, Karnes City First base: Gracie Jo Currey, Grand Saline Second base: Blakely Rodgers, Coahoma Third base: Emery Doporto, Coahoma Shortstop: Neci Potts, Arp Outfield: Zoey Greenwood, Hooks; Addison Carpenter, Arp; Maya Bell, Lexington DH/DP/Flex: Madilyn Derrick, Hughes Springs Utility: Chloe Green, New Diana
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Corpus Christi Calallen pitcher leads Texas 4A all-state softball team
LONGVIEW, Texas (AP) — The Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State softball team, distributed by The Associated Press: FIRST TEAM Pitchers: Mya Cherry, Aubrey; Raelynn Van Zee, Robinson; Jordyn Thibodeaux, CC Calallen Catcher: Shelbi Stevens, Navarro First base: Braelyn Bailey, CC Calallen Second base: Lexi Rosillo, Robinson Third base: Ryanna Guevara, Andrews Shortstop: Kaygen Marshall, Robinson Outfield: Yaritza Vargas, Dumas; Kayden Trevino, CC Calallen; Kylee Butcher, CC Calallen DH/DP/Flex: Mylee Cedillo, Brock Utility: Bryleigh Taylor, Liberty Player of the year: Thibodeaux Coach of the year: Jimmy Eby, Robinson ___ SECOND TEAM Pitchers: Brookelyn Taylor, Liberty; Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard; Chloe Ellis, Gateway Prep Catcher: Landri Holcomb, Canyon Randall First base: Larryn Fuege, Fredericksburg Second base: Jaleah Williams, Carthage Third base: Josey Cantu, Needville Shortstop: Brookelynn Meador, CC Calallen Outfield: Zoe Hawthorne, Eagle Mountain; Vida Fierro, Dumas; Bryana Pantalion, Liberty DH/DP/Flex: Karter Swanson, Bullard Utility: Mallory Tutt, Carthage ___ THIRD TEAM Pitchers: Jessica Hinnant, Smithville; Hannah Speed, Sulphur Springs; Ava Stuewe, Fredericksburg Catcher: Abby Buxton, Aubrey First base: Landri Holcomb, Canyon Randall Second base: Merrick Gary, Lindale Third base: Rylea Dent, Columbia Shortstop: Kennedy Dodson, Gainesville Outfield: Vivian Eckerman, Palestine; Mya Nelson, Carthage; Peyton Dees, Spring Hill DH/DP/Flex: Isabel Little, Eagle Mountain Utility: Kyndall Witt, Spring Hill
Associated Press
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Melissa teammates head Texas 5A all-state softball team
LONGVIEW, Texas (AP) — The Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State softball team, distributed by The Associated Press: FIRST TEAM Pitcher: Hailey Nutter, Barbers Hill; Elisa Maes, Melissa; Lindsey Dubberly, Hallsville Catcher: Hutton Adrian, Melissa First base: Delaney Vannoy, Leander Rouse Second base: Kailee James, Walnut Grove Third base: Kennedy Bradley, Melissa Shortstop: Caigan Crabtree, Melissa Outfield: Hope Miles, Hallsville; Madalyn Davis, Lake Creek; Finlee Williams, Melissa DH/DP/Flex: Libby Ford, Hallsville Utility: Jordyn Booe, Pflugerville Weiss Player of the year Crabtree and Maes Coach of the year: Cassie Crabtree, Melissa ___ SECOND TEAM Pitcher: Macie Bryant, Barbers Hill; Maddison Ruiz, Lake Belton; Sara Wiggins, Lake Creek Catcher: Giada Farias, McAllen First base: Preslie Clopp, Texas High Second base: Aybrie Corona, Barbers Hill Third base: Madi George, Leander Rouse Shortstop: Kynleigh Ball, Georgetown Outfield: Rachel Grundei, Leander; Ava Ellis, Burleson Centennial; Gracie Brewer, Lake Creek DH/DP/Flex: Scarlett Guerin, Leander Utility: Chesney Davis, Lake Creek ___ THIRD TEAM Pitcher: Jorja Fuentes, Rio Grande Valley; Olivia Buettner, Denton Ryan; Lindsey Hooker, Walnut Grove Catcher: Madelyn Hickey, Burleson Centennial First base: Hailey Serrano, Carrollton Turner Second base: Laney Galloway, Lake Creek Third base: Ella Berlage, Walnut Grove Shortstop: Taylor Bilderback, Midlothian Heritage Outfield: Miranda Orso, Lake Creek; Savannah Barrientos, Barbers Hill; Chloe Aldrich, Friendswood DH/DP/Flex: Gabriella Sandoval, Elgin Utility: Mykaela Samuels, Amarillo
Associated Press
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Humble Kingwood's Hunter Quantel heads Texas 6A all-state softball team
LONGVIEW, Texas (AP) — The Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 6A All-State softball team, distributed by The Associated Press: FIRST TEAM Pitcher: Hunter Quantel, Humble Kingwood; Peyton Philipp, Waco Midway; Cailey Slade, Forney Catcher: Lorelei Gamble, Dripping Springs First base: Jayden Sadler, Waco Midway Second base: Leilani Garcia, Humble Kingwood Third base: Morgan Sanchez, Klein Oak Shortstop: Emma Willers, J.J. Pearce Outfield: Stevie South, Mesquite; Camryn Carter, Waco Midway; Ava Cook, Wylie DH/DP/Flex: Lylly Sanchez, Grand Prairie Utility: Stella Benitez-Mendez, Grand Prairie Player of the year: Quantel, Humble Kingwood Coach of the year: Jordan Williams, Waco Midway ___ SECOND TEAM Pitcher: Natalie Moreaux, Mansfield Legacy; Emmie Santos, Forney; Abby Mangrum, Royse City Catcher: Mia Gagliardi, Humble Kingwood First base: Laila Nobles, Pearland Second base: Amanda Rodriguez, El Paso Eastwood Third base: Macy Alewine, Wylie Shortstop: Michaela Landers, Waxahachie Outfield: Kayla Santiago, Wylie; Sydney Prihoda, Willis; Harper Haas, Waco Midway DH/DP/Flex: Jordan Young, Waxahachie Utility: Isabella Dzialo, The Woodlands ___ THIRD TEAM Pitcher: Hailey Rodriguez, El Paso Socorro; Alexis Clark, Frenship; Jenna Hashaw, League City Clear Springs Catcher: Payton Shugart, Pearland First base: Danielle Lozoya, El Paso Socorro Second base: Layla Bennett, Pearland Third base: Dominana English, Forney Shortstop: Lillie Gaudio, Mansfield Legacy Outfield: Jadasia Mims, Longview; Aniya Wilder, Longview; Kaylee Schweitzer, Pearland Utility: Lanee Brown, Waco Midway
