Verdnica Garcia, a 17-year-old senior at East Valley High School, has once again captured headlines by clinching her second consecutive girls’ 2A 400-meter state championship in Washington. Crossing the finish line in 55.70 seconds, Garcia not only defended her title but also surpassed her previous record, making history as the first known transgender athlete to win back-to-back state championships.
The Seattle Times reports that Garcia is the first transgender competitor in Washington state to earn this distinction.
However, Garcia’s victory stirred a wave of mixed reactions from the crowd. Some spectators voiced their discontent with chants like “Let’s go girls” and “Girls’ race,” while others donned T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as “Save Women’s Sports” and “Keep Women’s Sports Female.”
While the other medalists received applause during the award ceremony, Garcia was met with boos and jeers.
Addressing the backlash in an interview with The New York Post, Garcia said, “Honestly, I expected some of it. But their reactions didn’t shake me. It made me more determined—not to quit, but to work harder.” She added with a hint of defiance, “It’s unfortunate they focus on tearing others down instead of living their own lives. But it just shows their true colors.”
Lauren Matthew, a junior from West Valley High, finished second with a time of 56.75 seconds. Despite her strong performance, Matthew and her teammate Quincy Andrews, who placed fifth, were absent from the podium as Garcia stood alone in victory. The crowd responded by chanting Matthew’s name in support.
Expressing her disappointment afterward, Andrews said, “Lauren should be winning state. She’s the best female athlete here.” She continued, “She deserved to win last year too, but that opportunity was taken from her. It’s simply not fair.”
Since 2007, Washington state has allowed transgender students to compete in sports consistent with their gender identity. Nevertheless, former President Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” has spurred federal scrutiny of inclusive policies in several school districts, including Tumwater.
Verdnica Garcia’s historic consecutive championships have ignited both celebration and controversy, reflecting the larger, ongoing national debate about transgender participation in school athletics. While Garcia’s achievements on the track are groundbreaking, the polarized reactions she faces—from cheers to jeers—highlight deep divisions within society.
Despite the noise, Garcia remains steadfast, channeling criticism into motivation. Her journey not only celebrates the triumph of a dedicated athlete but also shines a light on the complex dialogue surrounding inclusion, fairness, and the future landscape of youth sports in America.