Transgender tennis player Brooklyn Ross leaves the Wyoming Governor’s Cup over safety concerns – after the president dropped out because she was allowed to compete

A transgender tennis player has withdrawn from Wyoming’s Governor’s Cup over concerns for her safety and her desire to avoid a “circus” atmosphere.

Brooklyn Ross’ participation sparked national outrage, with Cheyenne Tennis Association president Jackie Fulkrod resigning in protest earlier this month.

Days after Fulkrod’s resignation, 27-year-old Ross said she would not run Cowboy state newspaper she did not want her presence to be the main focus or for protests to ruin the event, which took place from August 4 to 6.

“It became increasingly clear that maybe the environment wasn’t a typical tennis tournament with things spiraling out of control and putting people’s safety at risk, including mine,” she said.

The Colorado athlete added, “I was just concerned that this could turn into a crazy kind of event where people were protesting.”

Cheyenne Tennis Association president Jackie Fulkrod resigned over the decision to allow Ross to compete in the women’s singles category of the Wyoming Governor’s Cup

Fulkrod, who had previously said that “a man playing against a woman is a very unfair matchup,” told the outlet that she stands by her firing despite Ross’ departure from the tournament.

“Regardless of the withdrawal, I stand firm in my belief that biological men have no place in biological women’s sports, and in this case specifically a women’s sport,” Fulkrod told the local outlet. “That won’t change.”

Ross, an NCAA Division II college player, would play in the open singles division of the tournament, which has no age restriction but typically ranges from high school seniors to women in their 30s and 40s.

She said she received no personal threats and tournament director Peg Connor supported her participation. However, he noted that the event would have to be canceled for everyone if the protests got out of hand, Ross claimed.

“And then no one who signed up would be able to play,” she added. That’s just total waste. I just want people to be able to play and not for it to be a crazy event.”

The tournament is recreational and offers no cash prizes, celebrating its 51st year.

Ross, who would probably win because she is ranked better than the other competitors, said she just wanted to take a trip.

“I only signed up for this tournament so I could take a little road trip to Wyoming to check it out a little bit, play a little bit of tennis, have some fun,” she said.

Ross recently completed a tennis season at a Texas college in the NCAA Division II

Ross said she received no personal threats and tournament director Peg Connor supported her participation

Ross transitioned six years ago and has been playing college tennis since 2019 – she recently completed a tennis season at a Texas college in the NCAA Division II – The University of Texas at Tyler.

She previously said the controversy over her participation in the Wyoming event is the first backlash she has faced in her career.

“I’ve never had a problem so far or anyone (going) to the media or any issues like that, or concerns about the safety of myself or others,” Ross said. “So I guess it’s not worth it.”

Fulkrod, whose mother also resigned from the association’s board due to Ross’ participation in the upcoming Governor’s Cup, defended her decision to step down.

“I feel it goes against my personal integrity and what I believe and value for a transgender athlete to enter the women’s draw.”

“My decision to step down was based solely on the fact that we had no way to protect our organization or our female athletes who will play in the tournament,” added Fulkrod.

The Governor’s Cup tournament is overseen by the United States Tennis Association.

When asked about the decision to let Ross compete with women, Cowboy State Daily executive Connor referred to the USTA’s transgender policy.

“Tennis thrives when the sport embraces inclusion,” the USTA says in its statement on transgender athletes. “Tennis is therefore open to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religious background, sexual orientation or gender identity.”