A former University of California, Berkeley softball player has filed a lawsuit against a former head coach, accusing her of abusing her authority to coerce the player into a sexual relationship. The complaint, filed on August 24 in Alameda County Superior Court and accessed by OutKick, claims that the university failed to act and allowed Chelsea Spencer, the coach, to remain in her position even after staff became aware of the alleged relationship.
Spencer resigned in June last year, four months after signing a contract extension. The lawsuit indicates a Cal investigation found Spencer violated campus policy on conflicts of interest in consensual relationships. However, the timeline of this investigation remains unspecified, and it asserts Spencer was uncooperative during the process.
SJSU VOLLEYBALL COACH’S ALLEGED ASSAULT VICTIM SPEAKS OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ALLEGATIONS SURFACED.
An aerial shot of Stu Gordon Stadium, located at the University of California, Berkeley, taken on June 24, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
The university declined to comment on the lawsuit or inquiry into Spencer through an email to OutKick. Meanwhile, the former player has hired legal representation from Slater Slater Schulman law firm. Gizem Gures, an attorney at the firm, shared concerns about Berkeley’s response to the case in a statement to USA Today Sports. The statement emphasized Berkeley’s esteemed reputation and the disappointment over the handling of the situation, stating that the university should have provided better support to its students.
A photo showing Levine-Fricke Field during a game between the California Golden Bears and the Arizona State Sun Devils on May 10, 2012, in Berkeley, California. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
The lawsuit alleges Spencer’s advances toward the player began in fall 2023, shortly after the player became a part of the softball team as a transfer. The complaint describes daily communications that grew romantic over time. The lawsuit accuses Spencer of telling the player, “you’re so beautiful” and “your girlfriend is so lucky.” It further claims Spencer shared personal details and offered cash gifts.
Upon the player’s resistance to these messages, the complaint alleges Spencer’s anger resulted in reduced playing time as a consequence.
A photo of the bases before a game between Stanford Cardinal and California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on April 17, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
The lawsuit claims that Spencer’s actions and the university’s alleged negligence led to severe emotional distress for the plaintiff, forcing an early end to her college softball career. She is seeking a jury trial for personal injuries and additional losses.
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