Former CA College Athlete Sophia Lorey Heads to the U.S. Supreme Court Next Week to Support Girl-Only Sports Laws

California Family Council (CFC) Outreach Director and former college athlete Sophia Lorey is headed to Washington, D.C., next week to speak on behalf of girls-only laws being challenged before the US Supreme Court. Justices will hear oral arguments for two landmark cases addressing fairness and safety in women’s and girls’ sports: West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Hecox v. Little. The case outcomes would have significant implications for high school and college-age sports in the Golden State. 

Lorey will have the privilege of defending girls-only sports laws at a press conference on Monday, January 12, alongside nine other state attorneys general, as part of the Save Women’s Sports Press Conference organized by the Republican Attorneys General Association. The following day, she will attend a rally outside the US Supreme Court while the nine justices hear oral arguments in these cases. Lorey will be available for interviews on both days, online or in person. 

Sophia Lorey’s Message:

“This is about one question: do women and girls still deserve fair sports?” Lorey said. “Biological differences matter, and Title IX was designed to protect them, not erase them. When males enter women’s sports, girls lose scholarships and opportunities forever. The Supreme Court’s decision will decide whether California protects female athletes or continues to push them aside.

In 2021, West Virginia passed the Save Women’s Sports Act, which ensures equal opportunities for women and girls in sports and protects their safety by preventing them from being forced to compete against males. The law was challenged in court by the ACLU, and Alliance Defending Freedom intervened on behalf of Lainey Armistead, a former collegiate soccer player at West Virginia State University.

Although a federal district court ruled in favor of the West Virginia law, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit overturned the district court’s protection of fairness in women’s sports. ADF is now asking the Supreme Court to reverse the 4th Circuit’s decision and make it clear that West Virginia’s law should be enforced to allow states to uphold Title IX’s promise of protecting equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

Madison Kenyon and Mary Kate Marshall were both collegiate athletes on Idaho State University’s track and cross-country teams. Since early childhood, both women have pursued the life-defining passion of athletic training and competition. But in 2019, both Madison and Mary Kate had the deflating experience of running against and losing to a male athlete, being bumped down a placement level because of that athlete’s participation. To prevent other female athletes from facing unfair competition like this, the state of Idaho enacted the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in March 2020. Weeks later, the ACLU challenged this commonsense law, but Madison and Mary Kate stepped in to defend it to ensure that women have a chance to compete and win in their own sports.

After an unfavorable ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, ADF is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Idaho’s law and protect fairness in women’s sports.

Sophia Public Appearances

* Republican Attorneys General Association – Save Women’s Sports Press Conference Monday | 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@republicanags/videos

*Alliance Defending Freedom & Do No Harm Livestream During Oral Arguments Approx. 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT Livestreamed by Alliance Defending Freedom and Do No Harm

Lorey will offer commentary from Washington, D.C. during the arguments and will be available for live interviews, studio hits, radio, and print media.

As Outreach Director at California Family Council, Sophia Lorey has been one of California’s most visible advocates for protecting women’s and girls’ athletics. Her work includes:

* Speaking and leading rallies, press conferences, and public forums across California, many times before California Interscholastic Federation.

* Working directly with female athletes and families impacted by unfair competition policies

* Engaging legislators and school officials on Title IX and women’s sports protections

* Appearing in national and California media to highlight real-world consequences for girls: Hannity, Fox News @ Night, Fox & Friends, and more. 

* Using her platform to amplify the voices of female athletes who have been displaced, silenced, or injured, This is a Woman Podcast.

* Collecting 20,000+ signatures to deliver to the California Interscholastic Federation, urging them to follow Title IX.

* Testifying at the California Capitol in support of legislation to Protect Girls’ Sports

Lorey’s advocacy is informed by her own experience as a competitive athlete and her ongoing engagement with students, parents, and coaches throughout California.

Media Availability

Sophia Lorey is accepting media requests before, during, and after the Supreme Court oral arguments related to both cases.

Available for:

* Live or taped TV and radio interviews

* Print and digital media interviews

* Panel discussions and commentary

* On-site interviews in Washington, D.C., or in California