Playing sports as a high level athlete is not an easy task and playing sports at that level if you are queer, especially trans, is even harder. But that doesn't get in Isaac Ranson's way, who comes out to play every match with a smile on his face and pride in his heart. Ranson, who graduated from Cal State-Fullerton, was a two time Big West Goalkeeper of the Year with the Titans now plays for Minnesota Aurora. He is the first transgender player in the history of the W League and one of few to play at this level globally. Before coming out during his time at university Ranson said they were struggling, as many trans folks are before coming out.
"I was losing motivation and, just really unhappy with how I was performing because of how I was feeling mentally, that there's a big relationship between, your mental health and your physical, like, capabilities, and I really learned that during my time of coming out because the growth that I had not only the 1st year, but that next year were, everyone knew me as Isaac that 2nd year I was out. My confidence was through the roof that year and, Yeah, it was it was a great season and a happy one to end on."
After an accomplished collegiate career, Ranson has had quite the season with Aurora, holding a clean sheet in every single match he's been in and not allowing a goal all season. "I feel good. I mean, as a team, keeping a shutout is always, always what we want to do as a defence. And we got the job done, and always, we need a score to win," Ranson said after earning his first win with Aurora over RKC Third Coast on Pride Night.
While goalkeepers typically get all the credit Ranson has consistently said it's a team effort with the defence. He's also stated that he views his GKOY award to be a team award for the entire defence as if it wasn't for them he wouldn't have been able to win the award.
"It means a lot. I mean, as keepers, you're either the hero or the zero. There's not really any in between. And, being a part of such a strong defense and just a strong team in general, we were one of the strongest defenses in the nation only allowing 8 goals our entire season and had the lowest goals against average, as well," the two-time Big West Goalkeeper of the Year said. "I just, I think that award kind goes to the entire defense because without their hard work and their blocks in front of me and just us all being on the same page really helped the team get the recognition we all deserved."
For those who don't know I am also trans, although going in the opposite direction. I grew up in a small town of 1,200 people in McLeod County, MN and being in a small town and queer was not and is not easy. I tried to fit into the box I was told to belong in, which resulted in myself playing American Football rather than doing things I would have enjoyed. I came out in my early 20's and have never been happier, even if it made my life harder for it.
Coming out as trans can and often does result in loss of relationships with friends, family, and even co-workers. It's one of the hardest things for anyone to do because of the huge potential for ostracization involved with coming out. And now with things going as they are, not only in the United States but in many other countries as well, it's even riskier and harder for many trans people to come out. For many trans folks across the world coming out is not even be an option as it could result in anything from homelessness to death. Because of that many are unable to be their true and authentic self, but that does not make them any less valid.
"Collegiately, I had a great experience. I came out as trans to my team and my parents my junior year, and they were very supportive from the start and advocated for me and," Ranson told us. "They weren't scared to talk about me being trans or trying to hide me from the public. Which is a different and rare experience that I was lucky enough to have… I very much appreciate them."
Some may find it odd that Ranson has continued to play in the women's game rather than shifting over to the men's side of football. But with the bans on transgender people playing sports, that really isn't an option at least in the USA. In 2025 the NCAA amended it's gender policy to exclude trans women from playing women's sports, regardless of whether they have started hormone therapy. For trans men like Isaac they are allowed to continue to play women's sports, until they start hormone therapy. From that point they are allowed to practice with a women's team or join a men's team, should they chose to do that.
"For me, I saw it as a positive staying on the women's side. I feel a lot safer and comfortable being myself around, women who I've played with my entire life. The women's side of sports is way more vocal than the men's side about their beliefs. I mean, the NWSL celebrates pride basically every game. There's trans flags and rainbow flags at every game, and they're just big advocates and loud about it. And the men's side just isn't."
As of 2026 the United Soccer League requires players to "register only with the gender team with which the player was assigned at birth" and not their true gender, a change from the rules in place just last year. That means that a player like Ranson is required to play in the W League, while a trans woman would be required to play in the men's USL League Two.
Sadly those rules have bled up from certain states who started by banning trans children, who may not even have hit puberty yet. The current administration has made it a point to push for trans people to be pushed out of sport entirely. Something multiple sports organisations have started doing with bans coming from places like the Football Association (England), Professional Darts Corporation, even in the International Chess Federation, and more.
"I think, I mean, kids being banned from sport, for being who they are, is hurtful towards all kids. And it just makes me so sad and emotional about it, because if I didn't have a sport, I definitely wouldn't have grown to the person I am today. And it's sports that have made me stronger," Isaac. " Solely based on the human decency side and like, you're able to learn about all different backgrounds of people and different cultures and sexualities and genders, and they're trying to erase that gender part of it. People should be praised for being different, for being themselves… the world would be a much better place if everyone could be who they are without fear.”
With Pride Month 2026 now behind us it's important to remember to keep pushing for LGBTQ rights and to try and make everyday as good as possible. Pride does not have to be a one month thing where companies celebrate it for a month and move on. You can and should celebrate it whenever you feel like and with whomever you chose. At the end of our interview Isaac had some parting words that everyone should take to heart.
"Don't let anyone dim your light and keep being you no matter what, be confident in yourself, be proud of who you are."
