A transgender athlete is set to compete in the national women’s water polo championship at Texas A&M University this weekend. Alica Paans, formerly known as Johnny, will be participating in the 2024 National Collegiate Water Polo Championships (CWPA) from May 3 to 5 at Texas A&M University. Paans will be representing the University of Michigan’s Women’s Club Water Polo team, where he was recently named “player of the week” and is also a state chess champion in the women’s category.
The University of Michigan team, with Paans on board, previously won the national women’s title against other universities. However, the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) criticized Paans’ participation, stating that the Collegiate Water Polo Association’s policy does not prioritize fair competition for women. ICONS co-founder Marshi Smith expressed disappointment in the association’s decision to allow male athletes to compete in women’s sports.
In response, over 4,000 women athletes signed a letter demanding that the NCAA protect women’s sports. Advocacy group Our Bodies, Our Sports also delivered a coalition letter urging the NCAA to repeal its policy allowing male athletes to compete in women’s sports. The issue has sparked controversy and calls for action to ensure fairness and integrity in women’s sports.
