DeKalb GA News

Payton McNabb, a high school athlete with aspirations of playing collegiate sports, experienced a life-changing injury during a volleyball match on September 1, 2022. Her mother, Pamela McNabb, shared the details of the incident and its aftermath in an opinion piece for Fox News.

Pamela recounted how her daughter was injured by "a spike from a transgender-identifying male on the opposing team," resulting in Payton losing consciousness. The injury led to severe consequences for Payton, including partial paralysis and difficulties with speech and vision.

"She had suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her partially paralyzed on the right side of her body and unable to speak or see clearly," Pamela wrote. The impact on Payton's life has been profound, transforming her from an aspiring college athlete into someone who struggles with basic tasks.

"Seemingly overnight, Payton began to struggle with everything," Pamela explained. "She suffered from debilitating head and neck pain." Despite medical advice to reengage in sports, Payton faces significant challenges due to partial paralysis.

"Her injury ended any chance of being able to play [softball] at the collegiate level," Pamela noted. Nevertheless, Payton continues to participate in sports with difficulty and determination.

Pamela expressed concern over policies allowing transgender athletes to compete against females in high school sports. "These policies endanger our girls’ safety and well-being," she stated. She urged parents and lawmakers to address this issue, noting that there are still 24 states where such competition is legal.

The family's experience highlights ongoing debates about transgender participation in women's sports and raises questions about safety and fairness in athletics.