Transgender Volleyball Player Sues Westcliff University and NAIA Over Revoked Scholarship

Emma Morquecho, a proud Latina transgender student-athlete, was offered a volleyball scholarship at Westcliff University after disclosing her gender identity to university officials in 2022. However, on August 10, 2023, Morquecho received an email from the head coach of the Westcliff women's volleyball team stating she was not eligible to play during the upcoming fall season, effectively revoking her scholarship and her opportunity to participate in collegiate athletics .

Morquecho’s attorneys argue that Westcliff University, NAIA, and the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac) collectively decided to deny her eligibility and scholarship because she is a transgender woman. The lawsuit asserts violations under Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination by institutions receiving federal funding. Additionally, the complaint invokes California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, which bans discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics, as well as the state’s Equity in Higher Education Act and Government Code, which prohibit exclusion from programs or activities based on these grounds .

The lawsuit details Morquecho’s emotional distress and anxiety resulting from her exclusion, noting that she required therapy and struggled to pursue her educational aspirations without the financial support of the scholarship. “By taking a stand, I'm not just fighting for myself. I'm speaking for every trans person who has been silenced, and I hope my voice empowers others in our community to know their stories and their rights matter,” Morquecho said in a statement released through MALDEF. “Together, we can create a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.” .

The Latino community, often impacted by discriminatory practices, is highlighted in the case as particularly vulnerable. “Discrimination, based on stereotype and false assumption, against trans athletes must end, especially in California where so many of those harmed will be members of the state's largest racial/ethnic community,” commented Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF .

The lawsuit was officially filed on August 8, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California . Morquecho is represented by MALDEF, a leading civil rights organization, and legal experts anticipate the case could set important precedents for the application of anti-discrimination protections to transgender students and athletes nationwide.

Westcliff University, NAIA, and Cal Pac—all recipients of federal funding—are under scrutiny for their policies and practices regarding transgender athletes. While Westcliff University and NAIA have not commented publicly on the lawsuit as of the time of publication, the case has prompted renewed debate about inclusivity in collegiate sports and the legal obligations of universities under federal and state law .

LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the case is emblematic of broader struggles faced by transgender people seeking equal access to education and athletics. Organizations including MALDEF see this lawsuit as an opportunity to challenge discriminatory policies and champion the rights of LGBTQ+ students. The outcome may influence not only university practices but also the interpretation of civil rights protections for transgender individuals in various contexts.

Emma Morquecho’s courage in standing up against discrimination serves as an inspiration to many within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. As the legal process unfolds, the case will be closely watched for its potential impact on the rights of transgender students, the obligations of educational institutions, and the broader movement for equality and inclusion in sports and education.