Martina Navratilova Calls for Dismissal of SJSU Volleyball Coach Amid Allegations

Martina Navratilova, a revered figure in women’s tennis, has publicly demanded San Jose State University (SJSU) terminate volleyball coach Todd Kress. This follows Fox News Digital’s coverage of allegations made by a former player, which were sent to the university during a transgender athlete controversy in fall 2024.

Navratilova shared posts online from Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead, critiquing both Kress and the university. Navratilova exclaimed, “Fire his a–!” and further expressed, “This is truly sickening… this coach should have been fired yesterday!”

Hogshead’s post stated, “Sex discrimination rarely manifests in just one form,” referencing Kress’s approach towards managing female and transgender players in his initial seasons leading the team.

On Tuesday, Fox News Digital reported that SJSU’s athletic department received a letter in October 2024 from a former player under Kress at Fairfield University in 1998. The letter alleged Kress attacked her in a hotel room that year. Emails reveal SJSU acknowledged the allegations, thanked the player for coming forward, and apologized for her experience. Despite this, Kress has remained in his role as head coach of the women’s volleyball team.

Fox News Digital received independently verified emails exchanged between SJSU and the former player at Fairfield. While her name remains undisclosed, records confirm her participation in the 1998 season under Kress.

The former player’s initial email included a letter with allegations initially sent to Fairfield University. The alleged incident took place post a game loss during the 1998 NCAA Tournament. She recounted a teammate’s request for her to bring a shirt to Kress’s room, which she reluctantly agreed to do.

The former player described that Kress answered the door and smeared caramel on her face before forcibly throwing her onto a bed and subjecting her to further humiliating acts. This shocking account details his drunken behavior during a vulnerable time.

Further allegations include Kress’s involvement with underage drinking among players and the player’s fear of losing her scholarship, preventing her from reporting the incident.

On June 9, 2026, Fox News Digital submitted a records request to SJSU for copies of relevant communications about the complaint. On June 22, 2026, the university denied the request, citing privacy concerns overriding the public interest.

Fox News Digital continued inquiries, detailing inquiry specifics, questioning SJSU’s actions, and seeking Kress’s response to accusations. Despite ongoing litigation concerning their Title IX compliance, no judicial relief has been sought from SJSU’s stance.

As of publication, SJSU and Fairfield University have not responded to the requests for comment. Jackson Thompson, the Fox News Digital sports reporter leading this investigation, has garnered wide recognition and citations for his work on Title IX issues.