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Transgender-Identifying Wrestler Withdraws From Washington State Tournament After Assault Allegation

Officials are scrutinizing the district’s response to the Dec. 6 report under Title IX alongside a criminal inquiry.

Overview

  • Washington’s high school sports association confirmed the accused athlete qualified for state but withdrew and was replaced by an alternate from the same qualifying event.
  • Kallie Keeler, a 16-year-old from Rogers High School, reported that her opponent reached between her legs during their Dec. 6 match; video cited in coverage shows her reacting, though the contact itself is not visible in the clip described by local media.
  • Keeler notified school staff on Dec. 8, but the Puyallup School District did not alert the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office until Jan. 30; deputies have opened a criminal investigation.
  • The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched a directed Title IX investigation into the district’s participation policies, locker room access, and its handling of the assault allegation.
  • The accused student-athlete has not commented publicly; the district cites student privacy as it says the matter remains under investigation, and WIAA policy allows participation consistent with a student’s gender identity.