Yonkers Appeals Boy's Ban From Girls Volleyball

YONKERS, N.Y. – A male student at Yonkers High School has the school district on his side as he continues to fight for the right to play on the school's all-girls volleyball team.

The Yonkers Public School District is appealing the state’s decision to bar Jenson Daniel, a senior, from playing varsity girls volleyball.

Teammates and school administrators have backed Daniel, who wants to play with the girls because Yonkers High does not have a boys team.

"Being the only boy on an all-girls team puts a lot of pressure on you. People say, 'You have a boy on your team – you should be winning every game.'  It doesn't work like that," Daniel told Fox5.

Daniel played in several games last year but was benched after the state ruled he was too strong to play on a girls team.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association said Daniel performed too well on a series of fitness tests administered earlier this year, scoring much higher than would the average girl.

In an emailed statement this week, Yonkers Public School administrators said a district panel had ruled Daniel fit to play in mixed competition after a process of evaluations. They said they continue to support his quest to play girls volleyball and are appealing the NYSPHSAA's decision.

Daniel told Fox5 he hopes to play in the team’s match Friday at Eastchester High School. 

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