From Slate Magazine · Maggie Mertens · · 3m
Ryann Allison Cut from Beach Volleyball Team
Ryann Allison, a top college beach volleyball player, was abruptly cut from Stephen F. Austin State University’s team after a Title IX lawsuit.
In brief
Ryann Allison, a top college beach volleyball player, was abruptly cut from Stephen F. Austin State University’s team after a Title IX lawsuit. Ryann Allison and Brynn Dowd were removed from Stephen F. Austin State University’s beach volleyball team despite being key players in a Title IX lawsuit against the school…
Ryann Allison
Ryann Allison is a senior at Stephen F. Austin State University in rural East Texas who was abruptly cut from the beach volleyball team.
Team Cut
Allison was informed in May that she would not be renewed for next year and was no longer a fit for the beach volleyball team.
Retaliation Suspected
Allison and her teammate Brynn Dowd suspect retaliation after the school cut their beach volleyball program in May 2025.
Program Cuts
Stephen F. Austin State University cut its beach volleyball program in May 2025 after its most successful season with 22 wins.
Title IX Lawsuit
Allison and 39 other athletes filed a Title IX lawsuit claiming the school violated gender equity by cutting women’s sports teams.
Title IX Report
A Title IX report found women made up 63 percent of SFA undergrads but received only 40 percent of athletic roster spots.
School Response
SFA claimed the Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo negated the Title IX three-prong test, but the lawsuit argues they violated the law.
Legal Battle
The lawsuit claims SFA’s cuts increased its Title IX violations, while the school argues the cuts were financially motivated.
Team Reinstatement
The team was reinstated after a preliminary injunction but quickly lost most players to transfers.
Coaching Change
New coach Gretchen Hand took over the team but quickly sidelined Allison and Dowd from leadership roles.
Season Struggles
The team finished with a 6, 22 record and Allison was named to the Southland Conference’s All-Academic Team.
Final Cut
Allison and Dowd were cut from the team after the season despite being key players in the Title IX lawsuit.
Title IX Impact
Title IX has helped women’s sports grow but compliance remains uneven, with many schools cutting women’s programs.
Future Concerns
Allison and Dowd fear their careers as athletes are over after being cut, with no clear path to continue playing.
Systemic Issues
Women’s college athletes earn less than 10 percent of men’s NIL deals and face three times the online harassment.
What Happens Next
The Title IX lawsuit is due to go to trial in December, but Allison and Dowd say their college sports careers are over.
At a glance
Ryann Allison and Brynn Dowd were removed from Stephen F. Austin State University’s beach volleyball team despite being key players in a Title IX lawsuit against the school.
