Nevada women's volleyball captain slams trans athletes in her sport as team decides against players

University of Nevada women's volleyball player Sia Liillii shined under the spotlight of Republican leaders this week.

Liillii, a senior and captain for Nevada, led her team to a victory over Utah State on Tuesday, just days after she and her teammates announced they intended to forfeit an upcoming match against a team with a transgender player.

After the game, she met with Republicans, former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin and Nevada Senate candidate Sam Brown.

The figures attended the game in person to praise the decision of Liillii and her teammates.

In front of the major allies of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Liillii spoke out against her own school. Despite her teammates' wishes, her university and volleyball program announced it intends to move forward with the game against San Jose State, which has already seen four other opponents forfeit this year. Liillii said the players have had direct conversations with Nevada Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe, but it has not changed the program's mind to not officially cancel the match.

"I know what our team is going to do, and we are going to have integrity," Liillii told The Reno Gazzette Journal. "I think this is the toughest thing our team has gone through, but I’m just glad I have so many brave young women behind me, and I get to be the captain of this team."