Kotzmacher laments taxes funding Minnesota trans sports lawsuits

Western Michigan freshman softball player Kendall Kotzmacher, a Minnesota resident, expressed frustration as she files her first tax return, knowing portions will support federal litigation against her home state's policies on transgender athletes in girls' high school sports. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Minnesota's Department of Education and Minnesota State High School League on Monday, alleging violations of Title IX for allowing biological male athletes to compete in girls' events. Kotzmacher competed against transgender pitcher Marissa Rothenberger in the 2025 Minnesota state playoffs.

Kotzmacher faced Rothenberger, who played for Champlin Park, during a state tournament semifinal while with White Bear Lake. Rothenberger limited Kotzmacher's team to two runs on seven hits and hit a leadoff double in the final inning to help secure a win for Champlin Park, which went on to claim the state title. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a preemptive lawsuit last year, arguing the state's human rights act overrides a Trump administration executive order aimed at barring biological males from girls' sports.

Kotzmacher, who earns income from part-time youth softball coaching and name, image and likeness deals including one with XX-XY Athletics, described her mixed emotions in an interview. "I feel like I can justify spending that money more, knowing that it's going to these young girls that should not have to do with something like that," she said. She added her concern for her younger sister, who played with her last year and remains active in high school softball, potentially facing Rothenberger again this season.

Rothenberger is set to compete for Champlin Park this season amid ongoing legal battles, with a ruling pending on the federal motion to dismiss Ellison's suit. Kotzmacher called for resolution before the high school season ends and urged stripping Champlin Park's championship title from records. At the NCAA level, such participation remains prohibited.