A Washington high school wrestler has come forward alleging she was sexually assaulted during a match against a competitor she later learned was biologically male.
The claims have sparked a criminal investigation and renewed debate over rules allowing transgender students to compete in girls’ athletics.
Kallie Keeler, a 16-year-old sophomore at Rogers High School in Puyallup, told unDivided that the match occurred on December 6, 2025, at the Lady Jag Kickoff Tournament.
She said she had no advance knowledge that her opponent, representing Emerald Ridge High School, was biologically male. Keeler’s account raises questions about safety and informed consent in girls’ contact sports.
Video footage captured by Keeler’s mother reportedly shows her struggling to maintain control in the 190-pound bout.
She told reporters that during the match, her opponent allegedly made contact with her genital area, prompting her to allow herself to be pinned to end the contest.
“I just wanted the match to be over,” Keeler said, emphasizing her desire to escape the situation quickly.
Immediately following the match, Keeler notified her mother and sought out her coach. It was only afterward that a coach from another school informed the family that the opponent identified as female despite being biologically male.
According to Reduxx, the revelation added another layer of distress, as Keeler realized she had unknowingly faced a male competitor in a high-contact sport.
Keeler’s parents subsequently emailed Rogers High School officials, describing the incident as “a huge issue and something that is 100% not OK” and requesting clarification on how the district would address the matter.
According to the family, the district did not provide meaningful follow-up at the time, leaving them frustrated and concerned about accountability.
Nearly two months after the match, the school reported the allegations to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that a school resource officer is actively investigating, reviewing video footage, and preparing to speak with Keeler.
Critics have noted that Washington law generally requires suspected sexual assaults to be reported within 48 hours, a timeline the district failed to meet in this case.
The opponent, identified by Reduxx as Taufa’ase’e “Trixie” Tei, has qualified for the state championships under Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rules, which allow students to compete according to their gender identity without requiring medical transition or legal documentation.
Tei has participated in only a handful of girls’ wrestling events, yet has quickly advanced to the state level.
Advocates for female athlete safety have expressed concern about the potential for harm.
Marshi Smith of the Independent Council On Women’s Sports (ICONS) told the outlet, “Combat sports are inherently dangerous, and girls cannot unknowingly be placed in full-contact competition against teenage boys.”
Organizations like ICONS argue that current rules fail to protect female athletes from both physical and psychological risks in contact sports.
Data from the platform HeCheated shows a broader trend of biological males competing in female combat sports, with male competitors recording significantly more wins than losses in documented matches.
Observers say this highlights measurable advantages in strength, speed, and endurance, underscoring the potential for policy reform to protect young female athletes.
The Keeler case has reignited a national conversation over “trans” participation in girls’ high school athletics.
Supporters of WIAA policy maintain that eligibility should reflect gender identity, while opponents emphasize the biological differences between male and female athletes and call for regulations to preserve fairness and safety in contact sports.
As the Pierce County investigation continues, Keeler and her family are advocating for policy changes to prevent similar incidents.
