Canadian trans athlete’s controversial women’s basketball championship run ends after tournament upset

The Vancouver Island University Women’s Basketball Team Falls in the First Round of the CCAA Nationals

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) women’s basketball team saw their championship hopes take a significant hit on Wednesday as they lost in the first round of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national tournament to Mohawk College. This defeat marked the end of a tumultuous and controversial season for the program, which had been embroiled in a highly publicized feud with rival Columbia Bible College (CBC) over the eligibility and participation of VIU’s transgender player, Harriette Mackenzie. Despite the loss, VIU will continue to compete in the tournament’s loser’s bracket, keeping their chances of redemption alive.

Mackenzie, the standout player at the center of the controversy, delivered an impressive performance in the game, leading her team with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Her efforts were a testament to her skill and determination, as no other player on VIU’s roster managed more than eight points or five rebounds. However, her contributions weren’t enough to secure a victory for the team. Following the loss, Mackenzie’s Instagram account appeared to be deactivated, adding another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic season. Both Mackenzie and VIU declined to comment on the situation when reached by Fox News Digital.

Harriette Mackenzie: A Star Player and a Lightning Rod for Controversy

Harriette Mackenzie has been a dominant force for VIU throughout the season, earning her second All-Canadian honor and leading her team to a PACWEST Tournament victory over CBC. She was named tournament MVP and had previously been recognized as the conference’s Player of the Year in 2023. Mackenzie’s talent and achievements on the court have made her a standout athlete, but her participation has also sparked intense debate and contention.

The controversy began during a game between VIU and CBC on October 25, which VIU won 69-56, with Mackenzie scoring a game-high 19 points. Five days later, Mackenzie took to Instagram to allege that CBC head coach Taylor Claggett had "cornered one of our athletic staff and went on a tirade about how I shouldn’t be allowed to play." She also alleged that she had been deliberately fouled by a CBC player during the game. Claggett responded on Instagram, denying Mackenzie’s claims and stating that her concerns were about the safety of female athletes, not about targeting Mackenzie specifically.

The Feud Escalates: VIU Refuses to Play CBC

The situation escalated when VIU submitted a formal complaint to the PACWEST conference, prompting an investigation. When the two teams were scheduled to play again on January 10-11, VIU refused to participate, citing concerns about intimidation, harassment, and discrimination. In a statement to Fox News Digital, VIU affirmed its support for its student-athletes and emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all competitors. The PACWEST granted VIU’s request to have the forfeits not counted as losses on their record.

CBC responded to the allegations, calling them "untrue and misinformed." Players from CBC also condemned Mackenzie in a letter sent to Fox News Digital, accusing her of "personal attacks," "defamatory comments," and "comments that incite violence" against their coach. The letter criticized VIU players for publicly airing their grievances on social media, arguing that such concerns should have been directed solely to PACWEST officials.

The PACWEST Takes Action and the Larger National Debate

In early February, the PACWEST suspended CBC’s head coach, Taylor Claggett, and revoked CBC’s right to host the PACWEST championships following an investigation. The feud has drawn attention to the broader debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. In Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act and anti-discrimination legislation have protected the rights of transgender athletes to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity since June 2017.

The debate has been particularly charged in the context of the 2024 election, with some political groups using the issue of transgender participation in sports as a rallying cry for their campaigns. Critics argue that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports creates an unfair advantage, while advocates emphasize the importance of inclusion and the rights of transgender athletes to participate.

Harriette Mackenzie’s Future and the Legacy of the Season

Despite the challenges and controversies, Harriette Mackenzie remains a prominent figure in Canadian college basketball. With the CCAA’s five-year eligibility rule, Mackenzie has the option to return for another season and continue her collegiate career. Her story has sparked widespread discussion and debate, both within and beyond the sports community, about identity, fairness, and inclusion in athletics.

As VIU continues to compete in the loser’s bracket of the CCAA nationals, the team and its star player are likely to remain in the spotlight. Whether or not VIU secures a championship title, the 2023-2024 season will be remembered for its drama, controversy, and the broader cultural shifts it reflects. For Harriette Mackenzie, this season has been a testament to her resilience and talent, even as it has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by transgender athletes in competitive sports.