A Puyallup high school wrestler has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted by a transgender opponent during a girls wrestling match and that officials failed to properly respond after the incident was reported.
The suit, filed Tuesday in Seattle federal court by a Rogers High School student and her mother, Stephanie Brown, names the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the Puyallup School District, state education officials, and several school employees as defendants.
Alleged Assault During Tournament
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred in December 2025, during the Lady Jag Kickoff wrestling tournament at Emerald Ridge High School. The student alleges she unknowingly competed against a transgender athlete and was sexually assaulted during the match.
The complaint alleges that during the match, the opponent reached between the victim’s legs and pushed his fingers through her shorts and underwear, and “penetrated her vagina for several seconds, causing great pain.”
“[The victim] was horrified and shocked and felt deeply violated,” the complaint states. “Her reaction is visible in the video of the match. It was an incredibly offensive act and caused intense physical discomfort that persisted following the assault.”
The complaint says the victim immediately alerted her mother during the match and later learned her opponent was male. According to the filing, that discovery intensified her sense of violation.
“[The victim’s] mom swiftly informed [her] coaches in writing of the assault and the unfairness of wrestling a male,” the lawsuit states. “She even gave them a video of the match. But nothing happened. Despite mandatory reporter laws, officials ignored
the incident until it became a national news story weeks later.”
Lawsuit Alleges Delayed Response
The lawsuit further alleges that Brown reported both the alleged assault and concerns about her daughter competing against a transgender athlete to school officials on Dec. 8.
According to the complaint, district employees failed to promptly notify law enforcement or initiate required investigations.
“Why was it that this was reported weeks later to law enforcement?” community member Ivana Rotari asked during a February school board meeting, according to the lawsuit.
The complaint alleges district officials did not report the allegations to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office until Jan. 30, nearly two months after Brown first contacted the school and one day after media inquiries were made. The lawsuit says the sheriff’s office then opened an investigation.
The lawsuit also claims school officials repeatedly told the family they took the matter seriously while providing few details about any investigation.
According to the complaint, Rogers High School Principal Jason Smith told Brown the district took the matter “very seriously” during phone calls in late January and early February.
The family alleges that the Puyallup School District continues to ignore the incident. “Even now, they refuse to take it seriously, to deal with the assault, to reserve girls sports for girls, or even to give parents the necessary notice so they can keep their daughters safe,” the complaint states.
Broader Challenge to State Policies
The case additionally alleges district officials failed to adequately investigate complaints from other female wrestlers who reported discomfort about transgender athletes using girls locker rooms.
The lawsuit cites reporting by journalist Brandi Kruse and claims district officials continued allowing transgender athletes to compete and access girls facilities despite complaints from students.
The filing names the WIAA, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Superintendent Chris Reykdal, the Puyallup School District, district Title IX Coordinator Gordon Brobbey, Rogers High School Principal Jason Smith, and Emerald Ridge wrestling coach John Morrison as defendants.
The lawsuit argues the defendants violated Title IX and constitutional protections by failing to protect female athletes and by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls wrestling.
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages, declaratory relief, and court orders requiring policy changes.
