Brief
Former SJSU volleyball coach sues over alleged Trump‑related taunts
The suit alleges verbal abuse, religious hostility and unsafe working conditions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former San Jose State University women’s volleyball assistant coach Melissa Batie‑Smoose has filed a lawsuit claiming head coach Todd Kress mocked her for supporting Donald Trump and harassed her over her religious views, according to a complaint cited by FOX News and reported by the New York Post.
What happened
Batie‑Smoose, who coached for two seasons before being suspended and later placed on paid administrative leave, says Kress called her a “Trump‑loving” and “Trump lover,” cornered her, yelled at her and berated her in front of players. She alleges the conduct made her feel unsafe and damaged her standing within the program.
What the reports add
The complaint also notes that Batie‑Smoose submitted a Title IX filing in October 2024 over the university’s handling of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming, and that the university has not responded to the new lawsuit.
What was said
The filing quotes Batie‑Smoose describing Kress’s remarks as hostile toward her belief that a biologically male athlete should not compete in women’s sports.
How it came about
The lawsuit follows a January decision by the Trump administration that San Jose State discriminated against women by allowing a transgender athlete to play, and a subsequent lawsuit by the university and the CSU system against the U.S. Department of Education.
Key facts
- Melissa Batie‑Smoose filed a lawsuit alleging verbal abuse by head coach Todd Kress (nypost.com)
- The complaint says Kress called her a “Trump‑loving” and “Trump lover” (nypost.com)
- Batie‑Smoose was placed on paid administrative leave after the alleged incidents (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Ex-San Jose State coach sues over alleged ‘Trump lover’ taunts amid trans scandal”
