Former High School Athlete Sheds Light on Injuries Sustained in Match Against Transgender Player

Payton McNabb shares her story of a life-changing brain injury and advocates for legislation to restrict transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Payton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2022 after being struck by a ball spiked by a transgender opponent during a match in North Carolina.
The incident left McNabb with severe injuries, including a brain bleed, partial paralysis, loss of peripheral vision, and ongoing cognitive challenges such as memory loss and debilitating headaches.
McNabb’s injuries ended her athletic aspirations of playing college softball and forced her to sit out her senior volleyball season, leading to depression and significant life adjustments.
In April 2023, McNabb testified before the North Carolina General Assembly, advocating for the Fairness in Women’s Sports Bill, which later banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels in the state.
Her story is featured in the documentary 'Kill Shot: How Payton McNabb Turned Tragedy Into Triumph,' which includes footage of the incident and interviews with McNabb and her family.