WASHINGTON, D.C. – IW Features, the grassroots storytelling and original journalism platform of Independent Women, announced two new female athlete profiles highlighting Kinsley Singleton and McKenna Dressel, members of the women’s volleyball team at the University of Nevada, Reno. Singleton and Dressel joined their teammates, including Independent Women ambassador Sia Liilii, during the fall of 2024 in forfeiting a volleyball match where they would have faced a male athlete playing on the San José State University (SJSU) women’s volleyball team. These stories coincide with the 2025 NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee where athletes and advocates called on the NCAA to keep women’s sports female.
Singleton, who is a freshman at the University of Nevada, Reno, told IW Features that a rumor began circulating among her teammates that the SJSU’s women’s volleyball team, which they were set to play that fall, rostered a male athlete. Having played co-ed beach volleyball, Singleton was aware of the potential risks associated with engaging with a male player.
“[Male players] are just stronger and faster – it’s crazy how high they can jump,” Singleton explained to IW Features. “Concussions would be the least that could happen.”
Dressel, a junior at the University of Nevada, Reno, described herself to IW Features as “a very introverted person.” That changed, however, when she discovered that her volleyball team was slated to play against SJSU’s women’s volleyball team.
“I’m now not afraid to say what I need to say, and I stand up for myself and what I think is right,” Dressel told IW Features.
The release of Singleton and Dressel’s stories coincide with the 2025 NCAA Convention being held this week in Nashville, Tennessee. Independent Women led a demonstration at the convention on Wednesday calling on the NCAA to end its controversial, anti-woman Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy.
The NCAA’s longstanding Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy allows men who self-identify as women to participate in women’s collegiate sports — taking trophies, roster spots, playing time, resources, and opportunities to compete from women.
Ashley McClure, assistant editor for IW Features, said: “By pressuring their volleyball team to compete against San José State University, the University of Nevada, Reno put politics ahead of the safety of its players and the integrity of women’s-only competition. Singleton and Dressel’s bravery in defending female athletics will inspire other young women who are impacted by the NCAA’s radical stance on transgender athletes.”
IW Features released a trailer on Monday for a new documentary featuring Liilii, an Independent Women ambassador and co-captain of the University of Nevada, Reno Volleyball. IW Features’ “Hold The Line” documentary featuring Liilii is the latest in its female athletes series. Other films include the stories of Payton McNabb, Cynthia Monteleone, coach Kim Russell, and LPGA professional golfers.
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