DOJ sues Minnesota agencies over trans athletes in girls softball

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a Title IX lawsuit against Minnesota education agencies for permitting biological male transgender athletes to compete in girls' high school sports. The action follows a controversy at Champlin Park High School, where a transgender pitcher helped the team win the state softball championship last season. The upcoming season places Minnesota high school softball back under national scrutiny.

Transgender pitcher Marissa Rothenberger delivered a complete-game shutout in Champlin Park's state title victory, but does not appear on the team's 2026 roster. The Anoka-Hennepin School District, which includes Champlin Park, stated it will comply with Minnesota State High School League rules and state law. The district limited further comment due to the ongoing lawsuit.

Former Champlin Park opponent Kendall Kotzmacher, now an NCAA softball player, criticized the policy after losing 3-2 to the team in her final high school game. Her younger sister returns for this season. Kotzmacher said, "I'm lucky enough that it's not allowed at the NCAA level. But there's all of these girls that I do not want them to ever have to go through the situations that I did."

Anonymous plaintiffs in an Alliance Defending Freedom lawsuit challenging Minnesota's trans athlete policies expressed mixed views. One stated, "I just want a fair and competitive season. My hope for this season is that the focus stays on the game, while also making sure girls’ sports remain a place where female athletes have equal opportunities." Another said, "Thank you, President Trump! I’m so grateful for the support towards girls in sports in Minnesota."

A federal judge dismissed the ADF lawsuit, but an appeal awaits decision in appellate court. Minnesota Democrats defeated Republican bills in early 2025 and this week to bar biological males from girls' sports. State Rep. Krista Knudsen argued, "When biological males enter girls’ sports, girls lose." State Rep. Kelly Moller countered that sexual assault poses the real threat to girls. Meanwhile, 326 school board members from 125 districts urged compliance with federal mandates protecting girls' sports.