Trans teen volleyballer AB Hernandez: “I Just Want to Play.”

AB Hernandez, a trans high school volleyball player from Jurupa Valley High School, has spoken out publicly for the first time amid a growing political and cultural storm surrounding her participation in girls’ sports.

In an emotional interview with CBS Los Angeles, Hernandez addressed the backlash she has faced from conservative groups and political figures, including former President Donald Trump. “They swear I’m this crazy danger to society,” she said. “I’m just a normal kid going to school, playing sports.”

The controversy has escalated in recent weeks, with at least three opposing schools choosing to forfeit matches rather than compete against Hernandez’s team. The issue has drawn national attention, with Trump threatening to withhold federal funding from Californian schools that do not comply with his executive order banning trans women from participating in female sports. The directive claims to uphold “safety, fairness, dignity and truth” in women’s athletics. 

Despite the pressure, Hernandez remains defiant. “People just see one thing and they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s what you are’. They don’t take the time to get to know me. So, it’s just a little frustrating,” she said. 

Her mother, Maribel Munoz, has also spoken out, expressing gratitude to the few schools willing to compete against Jurupa Valley. “I’m grateful, thankful. As a mum, it means a lot. Those girls mean a lot because I know it helps AB get through hard times.” 

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has made adjustments to its rules to accommodate Hernandez’s participation, including allowing podium sharing at track-and-field events. However, the Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against CIF and the California Department of Education, challenging their gender participation policies. 

Hernandez’s story has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over transgender inclusion in sports. While critics argue it undermines fairness in competition, supporters say it’s about recognising the humanity and rights of young athletes like AB.

“I can’t take that,” Hernandez said of the forfeits. “It’s a team effort. My team needs to be willing to fight with me and that’s what it takes to win a team title."