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A transgender student-athlete in Southern California has become the center of a national discussion following President Donald Trump's recent threat to withdraw federal funding from California over her participation in this weekend's state track and field championships.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened substantial and potentially permanent cuts to federal funding for the state if it does not comply with his February executive order, "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports." The order aims to exclude transgender women and girls from female sports categories.

The athlete at the heart of the controversy, A.B. Hernandez, a junior at Jurupa Valley High School, qualified for the state championships in both the long jump and triple jump at last weekend's Southern Section Masters Meet. Her participation prevented lower-ranked competitors from qualifying, inciting anger and adding to the ongoing debate about transgender athletes' place in girls' and women's sports.

In response to the uproar, the California Interscholastic Federation announced a pilot entry process for this weekend's state competition. This rule change allows "biological female" athletes who would have qualified if not for the inclusion of transgender athletes to compete. The federation has not indicated if this rule will be applied in future contests.

Despite the backlash, A.B.’s dedication to her sport remains steadfast. After competing on the track team for three years, she’s faced unprecedented criticism this year. Supporters, including many of her fellow athletes, recognize her commitment and bravery. A.B., who spends hours training daily, expressed how disheartening it was to face heckling and protests at events, yet she remains focused on her performance and improving her skills.

A.B.'s mother, who has vocally defended her daughter, confronted activist Sonja Shaw, a 2026 candidate for California superintendent of instruction. Shaw is associated with Save Girls Sports, a group promoting a ban on transgender girls in female athletics. A.B.'s mother emphasized that her daughter’s participation demonstrates courage and criticized those who have targeted A.B. through harassment and breaches of privacy.

Keinan Briggs, a coach unaffiliated with specific schools, acknowledged the difficulties his students faced due to the current regulations but also pointed out that the issue lies within the system rather than with individual athletes like A.B. He advocates for creating an inclusive environment where all athletes can compete and feel welcome.

As more than half of U.S. states have passed laws restricting transgender students' participation in sports, A.B.’s story highlights the broader national debate about fairness and inclusion in athletics. Advocates for transgender athletes argue for their right to participate based on gender identity, citing the wider social, physical, and mental health benefits that sports provide.

The controversy around A.B. Hernandez underscores the complexities and heated opinions surrounding transgender athletes in competitive sports. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that policies in the athletic community reflect fairness and inclusivity for all student-athletes.