Transgender man signs with Minnesota Aurora women's teamhttps://www.advocate.com/news/people/isaac-ranson-minnesota-aurora-soccer 🔗Christopher Wiggins (4 May 2026)
A Minnesota women's soccer team has signed its first out transgender player, adding a decorated goalkeeper to its roster as debates over gender and athletics continue to reverberate nationwide.
Minnesota Aurora FC, a pre-professional club in the USL W League, announced the signing of Isaac Ranson, a transgender man who was assigned female at birth and starred at Cal State Fullerton, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Ranson, a two-time Big West Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, leaves college as one of the most accomplished players in program history.
"Aurora believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to play soccer, and we are glad that we are able to provide a safe environment for Isaac to continue his stellar career. Our players, coaches, and organization are unified in welcoming Isaac to Aurora," Aurora club president Saara Hassoun said in a statement to the Star Tribune.
"I definitely feel safe to be myself in women's sports," Ranson told the Star Tribune. "Although I don't identify as a woman, I still feel included. I'm proud to be part of women's soccer because of how supportive and how much of a community it is."
