Before Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham took the spotlight in the conversation around women’s sports, Payton McNabb was dealing with its real-life implications. A high school volleyball game left a lasting impact on McNabb’s life. Now, she recognizes Cunningham’s efforts, which have extended to discussions in Capitol Hill.
A traumatic brain injury and partial paralysis on McNabb’s right side resulted from a volleyball shot by a biological male opponent. This incident propelled her from a North Carolina volleyball court to Washington, where she has testified before lawmakers advocating for women’s sports and the integrity of Title IX. McNabb, a former high school athlete, received recognition from President Donald Trump during a joint session of Congress in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)
JD Vance praises Sophie Cunningham for her activism to ‘save women’s sports.’
At 21, McNabb views this fight as influencing the WNBA, revealing a glaring double standard within the league. In an exclusive conversation with OutKick, she commended Cunningham for her stance, criticized Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve for supporting transgender inclusion, and stressed the potential influence of Caitlin Clark on the next generation of female athletes.
“I began speaking out at 18,” McNabb stated to OutKick. “Now 21, I’ve had to explain before Congress the biological differences between men and women. It’s irrational and sounds like a pointless debate.” McNabb, a former North Carolina high school volleyball player injured by a transgender opponent, shared her story during a hearing on ‘Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’ at the U.S. Capitol on May 7, 2025. (Getty Images)
Cunningham’s courage in speaking up has greatly impressed McNabb, especially given Cunningham’s rising profile. “Cunningham has shown remarkable bravery,” McNabb expressed. “I greatly applaud her because speaking out requires much courage, though it shouldn’t have to.”
She continued, “For her to voice her opinion now rather than waiting for a safer time and as her career accelerates adds an important dimension to the significance of her actions.” McNabb lamented the lack of prominent athletes willing to speak out, attributing the issue to their treatment.
McNabb cited the negative response facing Cunningham as an example of such risks. “People vilify her for merely stating what everyone knows but is afraid to acknowledge,” McNabb observed. “Without Title IX, there would be no WNBA, Cheryl Reeve, Sophie Cunningham, or any of these women.”
Cheryl Reeve sends a clear message to Sophie Cunningham with her ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt during a Fever-Lynx game.
McNabb had strong criticism for Reeve, who publically advocated for transgender participation in sports and wore a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt during a game against the Fever to make her point. “I can’t understand women like Cheryl Reeve who work against other women and girls,” McNabb commented. “Little girls look up to their favorite players for similar opportunities, and coaches seem to undermine them.”
According to McNabb, the demand for female empowerment appears hypocritical when allowing biological men to join women’s sports. “How can you argue for more opportunities and viewership when you encourage men to dominate the category meant to be separate?” she questioned. McNabb anticipated the league’s posturing would disappear when faced with the impact of a biological male playing in the WNBA.
Julie Tétart, a 6-foot-3 biological male dominating a French women’s league and expressing interest in the WNBA, serves as an example. “It might take someone like this French player to perform notably before they question the policy,” McNabb remarked. “It comes down to personal impact.” She clarified that she doesn’t wish to see biological men disrupt the WNBA, expressing her intention to protect these athletes, irrespective of their support.
Clay Travis targets French transgender phenomenon Julie Tétart for the proposed ‘inclusive’ WNBA team expansion.
“I don’t want such disruptions,” she emphasized. “My aim is to ensure protections and opportunities for all players, regardless of their stance.” McNabb urged the league’s leadership to apply their standards consistently: if biological males can compete in girls’ high school athletics, they should also coach in the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark’s situation came up as a parallel discussion. McNabb sympathized with Clark’s choice to focus on basketball over controversial topics. “She faces needless backlash from envy,” McNabb noted. “Understandably, avoiding more of it could be desirable.” Yet, McNabb feels Clark’s significant influence places her in the Title IX conversation, whether she addresses it or not.
“Clark’s impact on the future of women’s sports is substantial, irrespective of her public statements,” McNabb mentioned. “Her position means a lot to the next generation of fans and players.” McNabb stressed that few voices in women’s basketball carry more weight than Clark’s and that her support for Title IX reinforces her current status.
These female athletes should speak up about preserving women’s sports like Sophie Cunningham has.
The issue is deeply personal for McNabb. More than three years post-injury, her health is turning around. “Doctors were uncertain about my recovery timeframe,” she shared. “However, three years later, noticeable improvement in my health emerged.” From once struggling with public speaking, McNabb now advocates before Congress and serves as an Independent Women ambassador, using her experience to deter similar incidents for others.
“I hadn’t planned on engaging in politics and was initially unaware of the implications,” McNabb admitted. “I shared a genuine story impacting real communities and families.” Through her story, McNabb aims to enhance awareness to prevent other girls from enduring similar circumstances.
Contact details: [email protected] / Follow Alejandro Avila’s updates on X: @alejandroaveela. Alejandro Avila is a seasoned writer based in Southern California.