A transgender volleyball player in Hawaii has been given permission by USA Volleyball (USAV) to compete in the women's division after playing on a men's team for three years.

Tia Thompson, 32, was given the green light this past January after complying with the sports organization's strict gender guidelines.

"It took me three years to finally get approved with all the transitioning and hormone therapy and submitting all my paperwork to the Gender Committee," Thompson told local NBC affiliate KHNL.

USAV requires transgender women to undergo hormone replacement therapy consistently for a least a year and to change their gender on various legal documents before a switch between divisions can be considered.

Later this month, Thompson will compete in the Haili Volleyball Tournament on Hawaii's Big Island, her first appearance at an USAV-sanctioned event post her shift to an all-women's team.

Though there has been pushback to the decision—with some parents and athletes saying Thompson will have an unfair advantage over her competitors—the 32-year-old player is ignoring the haters and staying focused on the great outpouring of support she's received.

“The response throughout Hawaii has been a mixed reaction,” Thompson told Outsports. "Many uneducated people do have negative comments, which I understand because of the lack of education and information that people see on trans issues.

“However I received so much support, love and well-wishes from the volleyball community, my friends and, most importantly, my family and husband.”

“This is going to be wonderful journey,” she concluded. “I am living my truth, and if this can help other trans athletes, then it's worth it.”