New Allegations Emerge in SJSU Volleyball Scandal

Former San Jose State University (SJSU) volleyball assistant coach, Melissa Batie-Smoose, has filed a lawsuit that adds new allegations related to her treatment during the university’s scandal involving a transgender athlete, Blaire Fleming, and teammate Brooke Slusser. Her initial lawsuit from October was dismissed in September. However, Batie-Smoose is proceeding with further accusations regarding events that led to her suspension and eventual dismissal.

Allegations Against Head Coach Todd Kress

The latest complaint claims that SJSU head volleyball coach, Todd Kress, ridiculed Batie-Smoose for her support of Donald Trump in front of players, reacted adversely to her religious objections regarding a transgender athlete, and created a physically unsettling environment in some interactions. Batie-Smoose reportedly stated her belief to Kress that “God made man and woman” and her inability to treat a male athlete as female due to her beliefs. She claims Kress responded negatively to these beliefs and her political stance.

SJSU Faces Internal Turmoil Over Volleyball Scandal

The complaint outlines how Kress allegedly humiliated her during practices, labeling her a ‘Trump lover’ in front of the athletes. This public ridicule, according to Batie-Smoose, affected her rapport with players and led to her exclusion from meetings while diminishing her coaching duties. This strained relationship had roots from their past work experiences together at Florida State in 2006 and Fairfield University from 2019 to 2022. In 2023, Batie-Smoose moved to San Jose State to become the associate head coach.

Further Accusations and Institutional Response

In one encounter, Batie-Smoose relates a situation originating from a canceled recruiting visit due to a hurricane. Upon returning to the gym, she alleges Kress ignored her greeting and later berated her in her office, creating a sense of insecurity. Despite reporting this to athletics human resources and program administrators, she was advised to comply with Kress’s instructions, while he faced no repercussions.

Additional incidents involving Kress and players were reported. One athlete reportedly suffered panic attacks after being criticized for not passing a running test. Another was harshly scolded for tardiness after a match loss. In both instances, Kress allegedly received no disciplinary actions following reports to officials.

Earlier Allegations Resurface

Batie-Smoose’s lawsuit also revives claims of an unrelated accusation against Kress, involving a 1998 hotel-room incident reported by a former Fairfield player. The unnamed player’s report reached SJSU in October 2024, but Batie-Smoose claims the university’s inaction aligns with a pattern of disparate treatment against her.

After submitting a Title IX complaint for unequal treatment in October 2024, Batie-Smoose faced suspension. The allegations against her included misconduct and breaches of confidentiality. She denies revealing protected information and claims she neither purchased drinks for players nor encouraged their consumption. Her temporary coaching appointment ended on January 31, 2025.

Legal Developments and University Statements

The lawsuit names the California State University (CSU) trustees and 11 university employees, escalating the legal fight following previous setbacks. In September, a judge dismissed her amended complaint, finding no causal connection between her advocacy and her suspension. The university maintained confidentiality policies were breached.

SJSU and CSU have abstained from commenting on the lawsuit due to ongoing litigation. However, they find themselves embroiled in multiple legal challenges involving Batie-Smoose and former athletes, compounded by the controversy surrounding sports participation by transgender athletes.

In January 2026, a federal findings letter from the Office for Civil Rights concluded SJSU violated Title IX in treating athletic participation and sex-separated facilities. It raised compliance concerns, highlighting differential treatment in handling personnel investigations.

Changes in the NCAA policy and a Supreme Court ruling affirm past restrictions on women’s teams, adding layers to the legal discourse. Meanwhile, CSU contests federal findings and insists on adherence to former rules, leading to a lawsuit against the Education Department.

Batie-Smoose, currently coaching at Cisco College, seeks compensation, professional restoration, and rectification of her employment records through her legal efforts.