The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) secured a waiver for our client, Macy Weigel, from the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).
The WIAA initially determined Macy was ineligible to play varsity sports for one year due to their “transfer rule” and denied her waiver application. WILL sued in court, and helped Macy and her family fight back, arguing that the WIAA violated its own rules in denying Macy’s waiver request. This week, the WIAA finally granted Macy’s waiver request and is allowing her to play.
The Quotes: WILL Associate Counsel, Skylar Croy, stated, “WIAA’s initial decision was clearly wrong, and violated their own rules. Left unchallenged, it would have denied a student-athlete the ability to play a sport she loves. All students deserve to benefit from the educational experience of interscholastic athletics. We’re thrilled that Macy is now officially on the varsity team and making the most of this important opportunity and hope other students will not have to face these hurdles going forward.”
WILL Client, Macy Weigel, stated, “I just want to be on the field with my friends, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity.”
What Happens Now: After WILL filed legal action, we promptly secured a temporary injunction and Macy was allowed to play on the varsity team while WIAA was directed to reconsider its initial decision to deny her waiver request.
This week, that waiver was finally granted, and Macy can play the remainder of the season.
Additional Background: The Weigel family’s oldest daughter, Macy, began her high school career at a small, tuition-based Christian school in Baraboo, which did not offer athletic programming. Macy has a strong passion for softball and has played it for years in a local recreational program but has never had an opportunity to participate in high school softball.
Shortly after Macy started high school, the Weigel’s youngest child was diagnosed with a rare, but serious, blood condition. She spent nine weeks in the hospital and required significant follow-up care. Her mother, Emily, left her full-time job as an educator to help her daughter through this period. With significant medical care needs and the stark loss of Emily’s employment income, the Weigel’s decided that continuing Macy at a private school no longer made financial sense. Macy then transferred to her local public school.
The only silver lining was Macy would have the chance to play high school softball for the very first time, or so she thought. The WIAA instead determined she was ineligible due to their “transfer rule” and the family retained WILL attorneys to assist them.
Read more:
- WIAA Letter, May 2025
- WILL Complaint, Filed in January 2025
