Western Michigan University freshman Kendall Kotzmacher, a Minnesota resident, is navigating her first tax season with a complex emotional weight. She knows a portion of her earnings – from part-time coaching and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, including with XX-XY Athletics – will contribute to legal battles concerning transgender athlete participation in girls’ sports.

Facing a Familiar Opponent

Kotzmacher’s concerns stem from a personal experience during the 2025 Minnesota state playoffs. Her high school team faced a biological male transgender pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger of Champlin Park, who ultimately led her team to defeat. She now faces the possibility of her younger sister competing against the same athlete this season.

Frustration with Taxpayer Funding

“I feel like I can justify spending that money more, knowing that it’s going to these young girls that should not have to deal with something like that,” Kotzmacher told Fox News Digital. “It’s definitely really frustrating, and in an ideal world, this never happens, and this money doesn’t need to go to a lawsuit.”

Legal Battles and Federal Intervention

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that it is suing Minnesota’s education agencies, alleging violations of Title IX due to the state’s continued allowance of biological male transgender athletes in girls’ high school sports. This action follows a preemptive lawsuit filed last year by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who argues the state’s human rights act supersedes federal mandates.

A ruling is currently pending on the federal government’s motion to dismiss the state’s case. The conflict largely centers around the participation of Marissa Rothenberger, who led Champlin Park to a state championship.

Personal Impact and Sister's Future

Kotzmacher expressed deep concern for her younger sister, who also plays softball. “My little sister, she played with me last year. She’s still playing so it’s really hard,” she said. “I’m lucky enough that it’s not allowed at the NCAA level. But there’s all of these girls that I do not want them to ever have to go through the situations that I did, and I do not want my sister to have to deal with what I had to do and what she had to deal with last year again.”

During the 2023 state tournament semifinal, Rothenberger limited Kotzmacher’s White Bear Lake team to just two runs. Kotzmacher recalled the emotional aftermath of the loss, describing how she broke down in tears with her sister.

Call for Action and Championship Recognition

Kotzmacher is now advocating for a resolution before the current high school season concludes. “I hope that people are truly truly working on getting this finished before high school season ends because the last thing that should happen is for this to be a repeat of last year,” she stated. She also believes Champlin Park’s championship title should be revoked and removed from official records.