Age 18 Andi Rooks is a trans athlete who recently took part in a girls’ basketball game, prompting two other girls to sit out of the game in protest, find out more below
The incident has sparked various reactions and discussion regarding trans athletes and their right to compete in school events.
Who is Andi Rooks, Thurston County High School, Washington transgender basketball player, bio, age, height, parents and real gender
DON’T MISS TODAY’S SHOW. I’m joined by trans athlete Andi Rooks and Andi’s dad, a conservative Trump-supporter (yes, you read that correctly). Why do they think it’s OK for Andi to compete against biological girls? It’s the most fascinating interview I’ve ever done. pic.twitter.com/QQAPuid5lp
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) February 18, 2025
"We're not here to convince anybody that boys can be girls": Trans teen Andi Rooks knows he's a boy. So why play basketball on the girls' team? A unique conversation I hope you'll take the time to watch. Full interview airs on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/rERmVtlzwX
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) February 18, 2025
Tumwater players sit out in protest against Andi Rooks’ participation
On February 6, 2025, two Tumwater High School girls’ basketball team players decided to sit out of the game in protest of Andi Rooks, a transgender player on the opposing team. The match was their final game of the season between Tumwater High School and Shelton High School. During an interview with political commentator Brandi Kruse, one of the girls, identified as 15-year-old Frances Staudt, explained her decision, stating how her mother informed her there was “a man on the Shelton team.” She then added:
I made the decision to sit out and I did not play one minute of that game because I have a right to my safety and I should be allowed to play against girls.”
Following the incident, the district’s athletic director reportedly told Staudt’s mother that they do not discriminate and that Andi Rooks was allowed to play under Washington state law. In response, her mother also argued that her daughter was also facing discrimination by being forced to compete against a biological male.
Andi Rooks bio
Thurston County HS Senior Andi Rooks who is a biological male is an 18-year-old high school basketball player who hails from Shelton, Washington. She has notably identified as a girl ever since her childhood and began transitioning socially during the second grade. Andi started out wearing more feminine clothing and growing her hair out as part of her transition. She has reportedly not undergone any kind of surgical interventions or taken hormone treatments. Andi is also uncertain about pursuing such things in the future.
Andi who plays for the Shelton Highclimbers girls basketball team as a forward has a height of 5 feet 10 inches.
Washington state law policy on transgender athletes
Washington is currently among several other states with strong anti-discrimination protections, including for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) was the first organization in the country to establish policies for including transgender students in school sports. As a result, Tumwater School District policies state that students can choose their own name and pronouns. Moreover, schools must ensure that students have the right to be addressed by their chosen names and receive support.
Andi Rooks responds to Backlash
Following the incident, Andi Rooks and her father, Donnie Rooks, both spoke out in response to an interview. During the interview, Donnie stated the situation would not have escalated if Staudt did not make any social media posts about the game. He argued how Andi had been playing girls’ basketball ever since fourth grade. Meanwhile, Andi emphasized how she never intended to make anyone uncomfortable. She stated:
Had I known she had an issue, had she had a conversation with me before the game, I would have sat out. The last thing I want to do is make anybody uncomfortable. I just want to play basketball and have fun.”
Andi Rooks also went on to acknowledge the biological differences between men and women in sports. Despite being a transgender athlete herself, she expressed her own beliefs that trans athletes should not be allowed to compete at the professional or Olympic level due to potential advantages.