Paula Scanlan isn’t just a name that comes up in college sports circles — she’s become a symbol of courage, free speech, and the ongoing debate over fairness in women’s athletics. A former swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, Paula found herself in the national spotlight after speaking out about her experience competing alongside transgender athlete Lia Thomas. Her story, though personal, has sparked conversations that go far beyond the pool, touching on identity, privacy, and the future of women’s sports. If you’ve heard her name and wondered who she is, or if you’re just curious about what she stands for, you’ve come to the right place.

Scanlan’s journey began as a competitive swimmer, but it quickly took a turn into the realm of activism. She joined the Penn swim team hoping to put some painful chapters behind her, only to find herself reliving them in a different way. As a teammate of Lia Thomas, she was forced to confront issues that many athletes never imagine facing — from shared locker rooms to the pressure to stay silent. She decided not to stay quiet. Instead, she chose to speak out, even when it meant going against powerful institutions.

Today, Paula Scanlan is more than just an ex-college swimmer — she’s a public speaker, a policy advocate, and a key voice in the fight to protect women’s sports. She’s testified before Congress, appeared in media interviews, and joined organizations like the Independent Women’s Forum and American Principles Project. She’s also a proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she swam at the NCAA Division I level. Her story is still unfolding, and it’s one that resonates with many people who believe in fairness, transparency, and the right to speak up when something feels wrong.

• Phillip Van Dyke

Table of Contents

• Paula Scanlan: A Quick Bio
• Swimming Career and NCAA Experience
• Involvement in the Trans Athlete Debate
• Public Advocacy and Speaking Engagements
• Media Appearances and Testimonies
• Frequently Asked Questions

Paula Scanlan: A Quick Bio

Swimming Career and NCAA Experience

Paula Scanlan competed as a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s NCAA Division I women’s swim team. She was a dedicated athlete who trained hard and pushed herself to perform at a high level. But her time on the team turned into something more than just a sport — it became a personal and public struggle when her teammate, Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, began competing in the women’s division.

Scanlan had joined the swim team in part to move past some difficult experiences, but instead, she found herself facing new challenges. The presence of Thomas in women’s events, and in shared locker rooms, brought up uncomfortable feelings and raised serious concerns about fairness and safety. Despite the pressure to remain silent, Paula made the choice to speak out — not only for herself, but for her teammates and for the future of women’s sports.

Her decision to go public was not an easy one. She knew it would draw attention and criticism, but she believed it was the right thing to do. Her story soon caught the attention of media outlets, advocacy groups, and even politicians who were concerned about the direction of women’s athletics.

• Kristen Rain

Involvement in the Trans Athlete Debate

One of the most talked-about moments in Paula Scanlan’s life came when she became a teammate of Lia Thomas at Penn. Thomas, who previously competed on the men’s team, transitioned and joined the women’s swim team. Scanlan and others raised concerns about whether this was fair to the other female athletes, particularly in terms of competition and privacy.

Scanlan wasn’t alone in her concerns. Other teammates also felt uncomfortable with the situation, but many feared speaking out due to potential backlash. Paula, however, chose to share her experience publicly, arguing that fairness and safety were being overlooked in the name of inclusivity.

She later received an apology from the University of Pennsylvania for how the situation was handled, which many saw as a small victory for transparency and accountability. Her willingness to stand up and speak out made her a central figure in the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports.

• Scanlan believes women’s sports should remain a safe space for female athletes
• She has argued that biological advantages can impact competition fairness
• She supports policies that protect privacy in locker rooms and team facilities

Public Advocacy and Speaking Engagements

Paula Scanlan’s activism didn’t stop after she left the University of Pennsylvania. She has continued to speak out on the importance of preserving women’s sports and protecting free speech. She’s appeared at events hosted by organizations like Young Americans for Freedom and has worked closely with groups like the Independent Women’s Forum.

In fact, Scanlan is now a senior fellow at the American Principles Project and a campus speaker through Young America’s Foundation. She travels to universities across the country, giving talks about her experience and encouraging students to think critically about the policies that affect them.

Her message is clear: women deserve to have their own spaces and fair competition. She’s also a firm believer in the power of free speech and the importance of standing up when something doesn’t feel right — even if it means going against the grain.

Media Appearances and Testimonies

Scanlan’s story has been covered by numerous media outlets, including OutKick, The Daily Wire, and Fox News. She’s also testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government, where she shared her perspective on the impact of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Her testimony was powerful and personal. She spoke not only as a former athlete but as someone who had lived through the emotional and physical challenges of competing under these conditions. She’s since become a go-to voice on this issue, often appearing alongside other advocates like Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb.

Scanlan has also been featured in documentaries and interviews that explore the broader implications of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s divisions. Her insights have helped shape the national conversation on this topic, and she continues to be a leading voice for those who feel unheard.

For more on her views and experiences, you can watch her full interviews and testimonies online. She’s also active on social media, where she shares updates about her work and upcoming events.

Learn more about women's sports advocacy and the impact of athletes like Paula Scanlan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Paula Scanlan speak out about Lia Thomas?

Paula Scanlan spoke out because she felt the situation involving Lia Thomas was unfair and unsafe for female athletes. She believed that biological advantages could impact competition and that privacy in shared spaces like locker rooms was being compromised. She wanted to make sure these concerns were heard, even if it meant going against the university or public opinion.

Is Paula Scanlan still involved in swimming?

While Paula Scanlan is no longer competing as a collegiate swimmer, she remains connected to the swimming community through her advocacy work. She often speaks about the importance of preserving women’s sports and ensuring fair competition for all female athletes.

What organizations is Paula Scanlan affiliated with?

Paula Scanlan is currently affiliated with several organizations, including the Independent Women’s Forum, Independent Women’s Voice, the American Principles Project, and Young America’s Foundation. She serves as a speaker and advisor, focusing on issues related to women’s sports, free speech, and campus activism.