Transgender Athlete Sarah Antaya Competes in Final USA Hockey Nationals Before Ban Takes Effect

As the 2026 USA Hockey Long Drink Adult National Championships acquire underway in Wesley Chapel, Florida, one athlete’s participation carries particular significance. Sarah Antaya, a 49-year-old transgender woman from Lansing, Michigan, is competing in what may be her final opportunity to play in the women’s division under current USA Hockey rules.

Antaya is skating for two teams at this year’s tournament: as a reserve for the 21-under Motor City Blues and with Team Michigan in the 40-over division. Her presence on the ice underscores both her lifelong connection to the sport and the changing landscape of transgender inclusion in hockey.

“What this means to me, is just the fact that I’m just one of the girls, and I just get to go along, and I get to have a big blowout hockey weekend with all of my friends,” Antaya said of her experience at the tournament. “This is theoretically my last one, so this year is a bit bittersweet. I’m sure that when the last game hits this weekend there’s gonna be some emotions there.”

The emotional weight of her participation stems from USA Hockey’s recent policy change that prohibits transgender women from competing in the female category. This year’s Adult National Championships mark the last tournament where transgender athletes like Antaya will be eligible to participate in the women’s division before the ban takes full effect.

USA Hockey’s Adult National Championships, held annually in April at the AdventHealth Center Ice facility in Wesley Chapel, feature recreational, non-check divisions for players aged 21 and older. The 2026 women’s tournament is scheduled for April 16–19, following the men’s event from April 9–12.

Antaya’s involvement extends beyond organized league play. She has previously competed with Team Trans, an inclusive hockey organization that provides opportunities for transgender and non-binary athletes to participate in the sport. Reflecting on access to inclusive hockey in her home state, she noted, “When I get to play, it’s with Team Trans events or other similar events,” highlighting the limited presence of LGBTQ+-focused hockey programs in Michigan.

Her story reflects broader conversations about inclusion in sports, particularly as governing bodies reevaluate policies regarding transgender athletes. While USA Hockey has implemented restrictions on transgender women in female categories, other organizations continue to advocate for inclusive approaches that prioritize access and participation.

For Antaya, the chance to skate alongside teammates — one last time in the women’s division — represents more than competition. It’s about belonging, camaraderie, and the joy of playing a sport she’s loved since childhood.