NANAIMO, British Columbia — A transgender basketball player at a college in Canada claims she faced physical aggression from her opponents during a game after a coach expressed that she should not compete against women athletes. Harriette Mackenzie, a 21-year-old forward for Vancouver Island University, has taken to social media and spoken with media outlets to share her experiences and advocate for inclusivity in sports.
“I’m proud of my story. And I want to make something very clear — queer, trans and nonbinary people belong in sport,” she declared in a video posted online. “And there is zero space in this league for hate, violence and bigotry.” The Mariners, her team, secured victories in two home games against Canadian Bible College last week. Following the first match, Mackenzie, who led all players with 19 points and 16 rebounds, reported that CBC coach Taylor Claggett aggressively claimed that she should not be permitted to compete against women.
The following day, Mackenzie stated that she was intentionally targeted by her opponents. She shared a video clip from the game where a player from CBC forcibly brought her to the ground away from the action. Despite this, she managed to achieve 14 points and four rebounds as her team claimed a second victory.
The Canadian Bible College, an evangelical Mennonite institution, released a statement asserting that Mackenzie’s portrayal of events fails to reflect the complete scenario. “Taylor Claggett was advocating for the safety of her players, as any conscientious coach would,” the statement explained. “We stand behind Taylor Claggett and all our coaches in their genuine concerns regarding the safety of our student-athletes.”
The debate surrounding transgender rights in sports has also permeated political discourse in the United States, notably in the presidential race between Democrats and Republicans. The controversy erupted when former President Donald Trump threatened to impose bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports after an incident involving a volleyball player.
In response to Mackenzie’s remarks, the Pacific Western Conference acknowledged the increasing public discourse and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an inclusive environment for all student-athletes, free of harassment. The league emphasized that intimidation or harassment towards its athletes would not be tolerated. Furthermore, the league adheres to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s guidelines regarding transgender athlete participation, which includes specific criteria concerning testosterone levels, hormone suppressants, and replacements. Mackenzie disclosed that her testosterone levels are far lower than those of her teammates and opponents.
“In terms of recovery and muscle mass, I’m at a competitive disadvantage,” Mackenzie explained, noting that she began her transition as a child. Critics often attribute her athletic achievements to her transgender status, a sentiment that frustrates her deeply. “I believe all trans individuals should have a place in sports. But it’s especially infuriating to me because I’m competing — and being compelled to compete — with a substantial biological disadvantage,” Mackenzie expressed. “I never experienced male puberty. I only underwent female puberty, and I don’t have ovaries or testicles, so there’s no way I can produce testosterone.”
Mackenzie conveyed to media that the incidents she faced recently are part of a larger pattern of being targeted throughout her basketball career by players, coaches, and fans. After facing transphobic comments from teammates while playing at a college in Calgary last season, she opted to return home, eventually transferring to VIU, where she aided her team in achieving a national championship in 2023.
“The difference in terms of enjoyment and team dynamics has been immensely positive,” she remarked. “This feels like the basketball I remember enjoying.”