Kotzmacher frustrated by taxes funding Minnesota trans sports suit
Western Michigan freshman Kendall Kotzmacher prepares to file her first taxes as a Minnesota resident, aware that her payments will partly finance a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against her state's education agencies. The suit targets Minnesota's refusal to bar biological male transgender athletes from girls' high school sports, in defiance of a Trump administration mandate under Title IX. Kotzmacher competed against transgender pitcher Marissa Rothenberger in the 2025 Minnesota state playoffs, where Rothenberger's performance ended her White Bear Lake team's season.
Kotzmacher faced Rothenberger during a state tournament semifinal last spring. Rothenberger limited White Bear Lake to two runs on seven hits and hit a leadoff double in the final inning, enabling Champlin Park to secure the victory and advance to the championship. Champlin Park won the state title with Rothenberger on the roster; the pitcher returns for this season.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a preemptive lawsuit last year, arguing the state's human rights act overrides the federal executive order and that Minnesota already complies with Title IX. A federal ruling remains pending on the government's motion to dismiss. The DOJ announced its suit on Monday, alleging violations by the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State High School League.
Kotzmacher, who earned income from youth coaching and name, image and likeness deals, expressed mixed feelings. "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. Her younger sister, who played with her last year, remains active in Minnesota high school softball, potentially facing Rothenberger again. Kotzmacher called for a swift resolution, including stripping Champlin Park's title from records.
