In a heartfelt and courageous social media post, Vancouver Island University (VIU) basketball player Harriette Mackenzie has brought to light the mistreatment she faced during a recent women’s basketball game against Columbia Bible College (CBC). Mackenzie, a transgender athlete, detailed her experiences of discrimination and alleged that opponents and coaching staff not only questioned her right to play but also encouraged actions to injure her on the court.
“These people don’t know my story and they don’t care to,” Mackenzie expressed in a nearly four-minute Instagram video posted on Wednesday. “They attribute my athletic ability and my 6-foot-2 frame not to my parents, both varsity basketball players in the 95th percentile for height, but to the fact that I am a trans woman.”
A Disturbing Incident on the Court
The controversy unfolded after VIU’s Mariners secured a 69-56 victory over CBC’s Bearcats. According to Mackenzie, CBC women’s basketball head coach Taylor Claggett confronted a member of the Mariners’ athletic staff post-game, launching into a tirade about Mackenzie’s participation in the sport.
Mackenzie further alleged that the following day, Claggett’s brother, Kyle—who co-runs the Abbotsford-based LEAD Basketball Academy—posted inflammatory comments on social media. His posts called to “keep women’s sports, WOMEN’S SPORTS!” and directed similar sentiments toward the PacWest league.
During the subsequent game, Mackenzie recounted that the Bearcats’ strategy shifted toward aggression aimed specifically at her. “It soon became evident that CBC’s tactic had shifted to simply try to injure me,” she stated. After a particularly hard foul, she noticed Coach Claggett applauding from the bench.
Mackenzie shared that such treatment is not new to her but decided that silence was no longer an option. “In the past, I’ve dealt with these situations by keeping my head down and hoping they blow over, saying nothing, not wanting to draw attention to myself,” she said. “But guess what? I’m done. Done letting ignorant folks like Taylor and her crew spew hate against me and my community. Done staying silent while harmful narratives make today’s queer youth feel as though they don’t belong in sport.”
She emphasized that her athletic prowess is a result of hard work and genetics, not her transgender identity. Mackenzie began her transition in kindergarten and never underwent male puberty. She noted that her testosterone levels are one-tenth of a cisgender woman’s due to the absence of reproductive organs, which she says places her at a competitive disadvantage rather than an advantage.
In response to Mackenzie’s video, Taylor Claggett issued a statement on her personal social media accounts, calling the allegations “highly inaccurate.” She stated, “Although this may be how this athlete feels, it is simply untrue to who I am as a person, a coach, and a leader. I have, and always will, love people for who they are and who they want to be.”
Claggett expressed that her concerns lie with the safety of female athletes in sports. “My intention has nothing to do with a specific athlete, but instead, the safety of female athletes in their sport,” she said.
Attempts to reach Claggett and Columbia Bible College for further comment were unsuccessful.
Support from Vancouver Island University
VIU has stood firmly behind Mackenzie. A university spokesperson stated, “The VIU Mariners are dedicated to supporting every member of our team. We fully comply with the regulations and guidelines set by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and PacWest, following all standards outlined and approved by these governing organizations.”
The PacWest league also released a statement underscoring their commitment to inclusivity and safety: “The PacWest is aware that participation of transgender student-athletes has recently received public attention. As a member of the CCAA, the PacWest follows national policies and procedures for all sports that lead into CCAA championships, including the CCAA’s policy on transgender student-athlete participation.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Mackenzie’s talent on the court is undeniable. Hailing from Comox, she was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 CCAA nationals after leading VIU to victory over Saint-Jean-Sur Richelieu with 17 points and 19 rebounds in the final game. She was also the PacWest Player of the Year that season, averaging 19.1 points and 14.9 rebounds per game.
After a stint with the Mount Royal Cougars in Calgary, Mackenzie returned to VIU, where she continues to excel. In the current season, she is averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the Mariners’ undefeated 4-0 start.
The Broader Struggle for Inclusion
Mackenzie’s experience is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by transgender athletes in sports today. Despite misconceptions, the presence of transgender athletes in competitive sports is minimal. Experts estimate that fewer than 40 of the NCAA’s more than 500,000 athletes are known to be transgender. Additionally, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 3.3% of high schoolers identify as transgender, few participate in athletic competition.
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association has clear guidelines that support the inclusion of transgender athletes. Transgender student-athletes are allowed to compete provided they do not exceed five years of total participation and are in compliance with the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. They must also submit a medical review and are not permitted to take hormone suppressants.
A recent survey from the CCAA indicated that approximately 6% of all student-athletes identify as non-binary, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and practices in collegiate sports.
The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
The situation surrounding Mackenzie underscores the critical need for empathy, education, and dialogue in addressing discrimination against transgender individuals in sports. It is essential to recognize the personal journeys and challenges that transgender athletes face, both on and off the field.
Mackenzie’s decision to speak out serves as a powerful reminder that silence in the face of injustice only perpetuates harm. By sharing her story, she not only advocates for herself but also for countless others who may feel marginalized or unwelcome in athletic communities.
For transgender athletes, allies, families, and supporters, Mackenzie’s experience is a call to action. It is an invitation to stand together against discrimination and to promote inclusivity at all levels of sport. Organizations, coaches, and athletes alike have a responsibility to foster environments where every individual can compete authentically and safely.
As the conversation around transgender participation in sports continues, it is imperative to base discussions on facts and compassion rather than fear and misinformation. Recognizing the humanity and rights of transgender athletes is not just about sportsmanship; it’s about affirming the dignity and worth of every person.
The Bottom Line
Mackenzie’s story is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, she continues to excel and inspire others with her talent and courage. Her advocacy highlights the ongoing need for progress in creating inclusive spaces within athletics.
For transgender individuals interested in sports, Mackenzie’s journey illustrates both the challenges and the possibilities. With continued support from allies, institutions, and governing bodies, the path toward equality and acceptance becomes clearer.
In the words of Mackenzie herself, “I’m done staying silent while harmful narratives make today’s queer youth feel as though they don’t belong in sport. Done pretending like I have anything to be ashamed of.” Her resolve serves as a beacon for others, emphasizing that everyone deserves the right to participate in sports free from discrimination and prejudice.
