The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) girls’ softball state tournament is underway, and Champlin Park High School’s victory in the Class AAAA quarterfinals has drawn attention — both for the performance on the field and the debate off it.
Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender-identifying male athlete, delivered a complete-game shutout on Wednesday morning, helping No. 2-seeded Champlin Park defeat No. 7 Eagan by a score of 5-0. Rothenberger allowed seven hits and struck out four, continuing a dominant postseason run that included 14 scoreless innings in the sectional finals.
Reactions in the stands were divided.
Some Eagan parents voiced strong objections to Rothenberger’s participation in the girls’ bracket. One mother, wearing a “Save Girls’ Sports” shirt, expressed frustration with what she called a recurring issue in women’s athletics.
Another Eagan parent, the father of a player, argued that Rothenberger’s inclusion violated Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities.
With input from Fox News.
