Parents of California track star Reese Hogan blast Newsom over trans athlete in girls' high jump

Parents of a California high school track star have condemned Gov. Gavin Newsom over a trans athlete competing in girls' events, as their daughter prepares for another matchup.

Crean Lutheran High School senior Reese Hogan finished second to a trans athlete in the girls' high jump at the sectional preliminary round of the state tournament last Saturday. She placed second to the same competitor in last season's sectional final and drew attention after stepping onto the first-place podium when the trans athlete stepped down.

Hogan now faces the trans athlete again in this year's CIF Southern Section Final on Saturday in Moorpark, California. Her parents issued a statement to Fox News Digital expressing disappointment in Newsom's recent comments on transgender participation in girls' sports.

"As a parent witnessing the current state of high school athletics, I am deeply disappointed by Governor Newsom’s recent comments regarding transgender participation in girls' sports," the statement said. "While the Governor has previously acknowledged that this is an issue of 'fairness,' his more recent rhetoric—which labels those advocating for protected female categories as 'bullies'—is both dismissive and profoundly out of touch with the reality our daughters face on the field and the track."

Hogan, Freeway League Field Player of the Year, holds her school's triple jump record. Her parents described her dedication.

"Watching a child dedicate years of their life to a sport is a journey marked by sacrifice. We have seen Reese work through grueling hours of practice, push through physical injuries, and overcome mental hurdles, all for the chance to compete," the statement continued.

The parents called for a fair chance in Hogan's senior year as she seeks sectional and state titles. "As parents, we don't ask for a path cleared of obstacles; we ask for a level playing field where hard work and biological reality are respected," they said. "As the season enters CIF divisional finals, then on to Masters and eventually State the stakes are no longer about 'participation.' These athletes are competing for much more: state titles which is the culmination of years of dedication and focus."

They added: "Podium Placements, which are often the gateway to collegiate scouting and scholarships. Record books which should reflect the highest achievements within the female category. No athlete at this level wants a shared trophy designed to avoid political friction. They want the titles they earn through sweat and merit."

"When policies prioritize gender identity over biological sex in competitive sports, they effectively tell our daughters that their hard work is secondary to a political narrative. It is heart-wrenching to watch and realize that no amount of extra training can bridge the physiological gap present in these competitions."

Newsom's office responded earlier to a "Save Girls Sports" rally Hogan attended at last Saturday's meet. "The Governor has said discussions on this issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids. The Governor’s position is simple: stand with all kids and stand up to bullies," the statement said.

"California is one of 22 states that have laws requiring students be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school sports consistent with their gender identity. California passed this law in 2013 (AB 1266) and it was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown."

Hogan spoke at the rally. "The recent statements coming from Governor Gavin Newsom's office have made it clear that there is no intention of creating a safe, fair, and equitable environment for female high school athletes. Him and his office have gone as far as calling young girls bullies for speaking up for what we believe in," she said.

"The governor himself has admitted that males competing in women's sports is unfair, yet nothing is being done to protect girls who train every day to compete on a level playing field."

A podium ceremony will follow the competitions, as it did last year.