A Minnesota high school transgender pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger of Champlin Park, was notably excluded from the Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association’s 2025 All‑State selections despite a dominant season that culminated in a state championship. Her omission has sparked concerns among athletes, parents, and conservative advocates about fairness in girls’ sports.
Rothenberger’s 2025 stats were impressive: a 12–1 record, a 0.74 ERA, a 0.65 WHIP, 27 postseason strikeouts, and all‑tournament honors during the AA‑AAA state finals. Additionally, she earned first‑team All‑State recognition in 2024 and received praise for her pivotal role in Champlin Park’s title run.
MFCA All‑State selections rely on nominations by coaches, with final decisions made through member voting. A source confirmed to Fox News Digital that athletes must first be nominated by their own coach to be eligible—raising questions about whether Rothenberger’s coach submitted her case.
Remaining controversies in Minnesota over transgender participation in girls’ sports have drawn federal scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Education and HHS launched Title IX inquiries into Minnesota’s gender‑inclusion policies, focusing in part on Rothenberger’s participation and the state’s refusal to comply with federal directives.
Three anonymous female softball players have filed lawsuits in federal court, claiming that competing against a transgender athlete with male physiology undermines fairness and safety in women’s sports. Alliance Defending Freedom represents the plaintiffs.
Supporters of Rothenberger note that Champlin Park followed high school league rules and state guidance. The school district emphasized compliance with the Minnesota State High School League and applicable state law. Privacy restrictions, however, limit what school officials can disclose publicly.
