Fighting for Justice in Women’s Sports

I have stepped forward as Track Athlete A in Gaines v. NCAA, a lawsuit seeking justice for women in college athletics.

For two years, I watched my records, opportunities, dignity, and voice diminish — not by accident, but by deliberate policies allowing male athletes into women’s competitions.

My university, Rochester Institute of Technology, and my coaches praised as a man competed on our women’s team, erased our achievements, and was even allowed into our locker rooms.

Caroline Hill running on a track — Caroline Hill, a sprinter with RIT, competing in a race.

He didn’t just take medals — he stole the sense of safety, privacy, unity, and trust that female athletes rely on.

I felt insignificant and erased.

Although federal law should shield athletes like me, Title IX has been ignored.

I speak out now because no girl should feel worthless just to accommodate a man.

Running has been my passion since I was 11. Perseverance and the joy of the sport mean everything to me.

NCAA President Charlie Baker speaking — NCAA President Charlie Baker speaks during a convention.

My hearing impairment made me rely on clear communication during practice and races. Missing critical commands like “Set!” at the start led to confusion, sometimes boos from the crowd — experiences that almost brought me to tears.

But I kept fighting, adapting through grit and determination.

Graduation with diploma — Caroline Hill graduates from RIT, holding her diploma.

By my sophomore year, I was team captain and school record-holder in multiple sprint events. Yet, I couldn’t prepare for competing alongside someone with undeniable male physical advantages.

During my junior year, Sadie Schreiner, a male athlete identifying as a woman, joined the team. At his first NCAA meet, he broke my records with ease.

Sadie Schreiner finishing a race — Sadie Schreiner (center) finishes third in a 200m race in 2024.

Despite NCAA’s promises to ban male athletes from women’s sports, Schreiner kept competing unattached, still beating female competitors, using our locker rooms, and receiving coaching support meant for women.

After graduation, I reflected on the professionalized betrayal that robbed us of opportunities and camaraderie. I joined the lawsuit anonymously out of fear of retaliation.

With distance, I see more clearly: no woman should endure such injustice.

The NCAA must be held accountable, and laws enforced clearly. I demand my records be restored and justice served.

Caroline Hill is a former RIT sprinter and team captain.