HARTFORD, CT — Independent Women announced that Payton McNabb, Independent Women sports ambassador and former high school athlete, will be on the ground advocating to keep men out of women’s sports at a press conference and rally today at the Connecticut State Capitol.
For too long, the state of Connecticut has been out of line with and in violation of Title IX, allowing men to unfairly compete in women’s sports, undermining fair competition and threatening the integrity of female athletics. Moreover, Connecticut is one of many states, including Maine, California, and Minnesota, where there has been blatant refusal to comply with Title IX and President Trump’s Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports Executive Order. McNabb attended the signing of this executive order at the White House earlier this year.
“After being severely injured by a male athlete on an opposing women’s volleyball team, I have turned my pain into purpose. I have traveled the country to speak up for women’s and girls’ rights. Connecticut women need our help. Their leaders are not standing up for them. Allowing males to compete against females is dangerous. I may be the first to speak out after suffering an avoidable injury, but unless legislators step in across the country, I won’t be the last,” McNabb said.
In September 2022, McNabb, a three-sport athlete and then high school senior, was permanently injured when a male volleyball player on the opposing women’s team spiked a ball at her head. The hit left McNabb laying unconscious and in a fencing position on the court. The injury caused partial paralysis and other cognitive issues that doctors say may never resolve. Since then, McNabb’s advocacy footprint has exploded; she has turned her pain into purpose and is recognized as a prominent voice in the fight for women’s sports.
McNabb most recently testified in front of Congress this week in a hearing titled “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” McNabb also recently spoke at a women’s sports roundtable led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. She was also the special guest at President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.
The Save Girls Sports rally today is sponsored by the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference and the Family Institute of Connecticut Action.
DETAILS:
WHAT: “Save Girls Sports” Connecticut Rally
WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: North Lobby of the Connecticut State Capitol Building, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Media inquiries: [email protected]