Can We Fix Women's Sports? Kendall Kotzmacher Breaks It Down #softball

**XX-XY: The Fight for Fairness in Women's Sports** brings NCAA softball player Kendall Kotzmacher to The SLIDE Podcast for a powerful conversation about female athletes, competitive fairness, Title IX, and the future of women's athletics.

Coach Aaron welcomes special co-host and professional softball star Rachel Garcia as Kendall shares the experience that changed her life.

During her senior year of high school in Minnesota, Kendall's softball team made an unexpected run to the state semifinals. However, the team faced an opponent that included an athlete Kendall identified as biologically male. That experience raised questions about athletic eligibility and fairness that Kendall continues to address publicly.

**FROM THE SOFTBALL FIELD TO CAPITOL HILL**

What began as a high school softball experience eventually led Kendall into a national conversation about women's sports.

In this episode, Kendall discusses her appearance at a congressional hearing, her work with advocacy organizations, and her perspective on XX-XY classifications and proposed athletic eligibility policies.

She also shares the personal challenges that followed her advocacy, including threats she says she received and the isolation she experienced during her freshman year at Western Michigan University.

**FINDING HER VOICE AND A NEW HOME**

After transferring to Colorado Christian University, Kendall says she found a supportive team, renewed confidence, and a deeper connection between her faith and softball.

Rachel Garcia also shares her perspective on growing women's athletics, the importance of athlete support, and the experiences that shape young players.

Plus, Coach Aaron and Rachel catch up about Field of Dreams and the AUSL Volts before launching a hilarious new segment: **The SLIDE Slang Challenge!**

From "Rizz" and "Sus" to "Aura" and "Slay," see whether Rachel and Kendall really know today's slang!

This episode explores Kendall's experiences and views while raising broader questions about fairness, inclusion, and athletic eligibility.

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**FOLLOW OUR GUESTS**

Kendall Kotzmacher: Search @kendallkotzmacher on Instagram.

Rachel Garcia: @rachel_00_garcia on Instagram.

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00:00 Rachel Garcia Returns: Field of Dreams & AUSL Updates
03:50 Meet Kendall Kotzmacher: Minnesota Softball Roots
06:20 The SLIDE Slang Challenge: Rizz, Sus, Aura & More
11:50 Kendall's Journey From Hockey to Softball
15:33 Why Playing Multiple Softball Positions Matters
19:12 The Division I Dream at Western Michigan
20:25 The Experience That Sparked Kendall's Advocacy
21:40 Minnesota State Semifinal: Kendall's Story
24:06 Rachel Garcia Weighs In on Women's Sports
27:03 Speaking Out: Threats, Isolation & College Life
29:57 From Capitol Hill to Advocating for Young Athletes
33:18 The Debate Over Fairness in Women's Sports
34:56 XX-XY, Athletic Eligibility & Proposed Policies
41:03 Colorado Christian: Faith, Softball & New Beginnings
46:16 Walk-Up Songs, Future Goals & Final Thoughts