A transgender athlete won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in a women’s college basketball championship, sparking debates over fairness in sports. Harriette Mackenzie led Vancouver Island University (VIU) to a 69-59 victory over Columbia Bible College (CBC), scoring 21 points and securing 10 rebounds in the title game.
Mackenzie’s participation had been a source of controversy throughout the season. In an October matchup, Mackenzie accused CBC’s head coach, Taylor Clagett, of questioning her eligibility and claimed a CBC player committed a deliberate foul against her.
Coach Clagett responded, stating that her concerns were about the safety and fairness of competition for female athletes. “My intention has nothing to do with a specific athlete, but instead, the safety of female athletes in their sport,” Clagett shared.
Following the incident, VIU filed a formal complaint with the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST). CBC was sanctioned, resulting in Clagett’s suspension and the loss of the college’s hosting rights for the championship game. VIU also forfeited two games against CBC, citing safety concerns.
In a statement to Fox News, VIU stated: “Intimidation, harassment, and discrimination have no place in athletics…VIU stands in full support of our student-athletes and affirms the right of all athletes to compete in an environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being.”
The MVP award given to Mackenzie highlights the growing concern over the erosion of women’s sports. Allowing biological males to compete against female athletes undermines fair competition and disregards the purpose of women’s athletics.
Biological differences in strength, speed, and endurance create an undeniable advantage, leaving female athletes at a disadvantage. As these cases increase, there is a pressing need for policies that uphold the integrity of women’s sports and protect opportunities for female athletes.
