Canadian women's college basketball team for Vancouver Island University has refused to play an Abbotsford Christian school, citing allegations of verbal abuse from its basketball coach over a player's trans identity. The trans athlete, identified as 6 foot 2 Harriett Mackenzie, claimed that Columbia Bible College (CBC) women's basketball coach Taylor Claggett "cornered" a staffer during an October game and expressed grievances with the unfairness of men competing in women's sports.
Vancouver Island University sent a letter to the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) announcing its women's basketball team would be forfeiting its two games against CBC this weekend due to alleged anti-trans verbal abuse. Columbia Bible College released a statement saying the administration stands in support of their coach, the Daily Mail reported.
"We stand in support of Taylor Claggett, and all our coaches, in expressing their legitimate concerns for the safety of our student-athletes," the school said in a statement, explaining that Claggett was "speaking out for the safety of her players like any good coach would."
Harriette Mackenzie, who leads Vancouver Island in points, rebounds, and blocks this season, also alleged that Claggett encouraged "rough play" on Mackenzie, citing videos posted to social media that allegedly showed Claggett applauding Mackenzie being shoved down. Claggett denied the allegations, writing in a social media post that they were "untrue to who I am and what I believe as a person, a coach and a leader."
All 13 players on Vancouver Island University signed on to the forfeiture letter in support of Mackenzie, stating that they do not feel safe playing against CBC. "All of us should be free to be ourselves and play the game we love in a supportive and safe environment, including queer and trans athletes. The harm done to Harriette and our team was done on the court by this coach - a coach and a team whose conduct you apparently condone," the letter said.
Mackenzie also filed a complaint with the PACWEST, accusing the athletic conference of failing to investigate the claims. Vancouver Island (11-1) was slated to play two games against CBC this upcoming weekend. Mackenzie reportedly began gender transition in kindergarten and never went through male puberty.
