WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has praised a group of Washington State high school girls who walked out of a cross-country race to protest a transgender teammate. Cunningham responded in a comment on an Instagram post by XX-XY Athletics, writing, “Good work girls.”
The walkout happened during a meet against Battle Ground on October 13, when more than a dozen runners from Camas High School left the track. Their teammate had started the season in boys’ races before moving to the girls’ competition. The controversy has drawn national attention, and a rally in support of the runners is planned for October 21.
Cunningham’s views on women’s and girls’ sports
Cunningham has previously said that women’s and girls’ sports should be separated by gender. In a July ESPN profile, she rejected claims that she disliked transgender people, describing her position as a defence of opportunities for girls.
Her comment on the Camas runners echoed earlier remarks. In July, she wrote on X that the supporters were right to stand up for what they believed. She also said disagreement should not prevent kindness, and that she welcomed people regardless of gender identity.
Dispute at a Seattle Storm game
Cunningham’s stance also featured in a separate incident at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena later that July. Two teenage fans wearing XX-XY Athletics jerseys and carrying a sign praising Cunningham for standing up for girls attended a Fever-Storm game.
Celeste Keaton, a co-owner of the Storm, was accused of confronting the teenagers and swearing at them. The WNBA then barred Keaton from attending Seattle’s next five home games and fined her an amount that was not disclosed. Cunningham condemned Keaton’s behaviour, writing, “Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately, it shows the type of leader she is.”
Ginny Gilder, the majority owner of the Storm, expressed regret over Keaton’s remarks. Gilder said, “Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome,” and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to treating fans with dignity. The Fever said at the time that neither Cunningham nor the group had prior knowledge of the protest outside the Seattle arena or contact with its organisers.
Initiative 638 vote and the Camas Courage march
The Camas controversy has renewed attention on Cunningham’s support in Washington, ahead of voters’ decision on Initiative 638 on November 3. The measure would require medical professionals to confirm a student’s biological sex and bar biologically male students from some female-only school sports.
Supporters argue the plan would protect fair competition. Opponents say it would discriminate against transgender girls and add privacy and medical requirements. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association said its gender-identity eligibility policy complies with state law and that it cannot adopt any proposed restriction that would be unlawful.
Amy Sousa, who helped organise protests supporting Cunningham during the WNBA season, is leading the October 21 “Camas Courage” march. Sousa said in an interview, “You should not have to become student activists. Adults are now taking the reins, and adults are standing up.”
