DOJ Sues Minnesota Agencies Over Trans Athlete 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 last season at Champlin Park High School, where transgender pitcher Marissa Rothenberger delivered a complete game shutout to secure the state championship. The upcoming softball season draws national attention amid the federal crackdown under President Donald Trump's administration.

Champlin Park, part of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, rostered Rothenberger last year, but the pitcher does not appear on the 2026 roster. The district stated it will comply with Minnesota State High School League rules and state law, emphasizing eligibility standards for sportsmanship and citizenship. Because of the active lawsuit naming the district, officials limited further comment.

NCAA softball player Kendall Kotzmacher, a former Minnesota high school standout, criticized the policy after losing 3-2 to Champlin Park in her final high school game last season. Her younger sister returns for this season. "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 have to go through the situations that I did," Kotzmacher said.

Two anonymous plaintiffs in an Alliance Defending Freedom lawsuit challenging state transgender athlete laws expressed mixed views. One sought a fair season focused on competition and equal opportunities for girls. The other thanked Trump for supporting girls' sports. That suit was dismissed by a federal judge, but ADF has appealed and awaits a decision. Minnesota Democrats rejected Republican bills to bar biological males from girls' sports, first in early 2025 and again recently. State Rep. Krista Knudsen argued such participation costs girls medals, spots, scholarships and safety. Rep. Kelly Moller countered that sexual assault poses the real threat. Meanwhile, 326 school board members from 125 districts urged compliance with the federal mandate.