Ex-Coach Alleges Trans Player Failed Testosterone Test, Kept Secret

A former San Jose State University (SJSU) volleyball coach has alleged that a transgender player's testosterone level exceeded eligibility limits during the 2023 season, and that this information was kept secret from the team. Melissa Batie-Smoose, now the head volleyball coach at Cisco College, stated in an interview with OutKick that SJSU associate athletics director Laura Alexander informed her of the situation before the women's volleyball team's first conference match.

Batie-Smoose claims Alexander confirmed that the player, Blaire Fleming, had not shown up for a required blood test. The next day, according to Batie-Smoose, she was told that Fleming's testosterone levels were too high, rendering the player ineligible to compete and thus unable to join the team for their trip that day. The coach added that the alleged failed test was concealed from the rest of the team.

This allegation is also detailed in Batie-Smoose's federal lawsuit filed on October 13 against the California State University (CSU) trustees and 11 SJSU employees. Fleming missed a significant portion of the 2023 season, with SJSU's athletics website stating the player had not competed since September 16 due to injuries. Batie-Smoose, however, expressed skepticism about the timing and nature of the injury, suggesting it was an excuse to hide the ineligibility.

"Around the same time the testosterone results were revealed, Fleming thereafter missed conference matches because of a reported hand injury, which Plaintiff believes was an excuse to hide his ineligibility to play because of his hormone level," the lawsuit states. SJSU's game records confirm Fleming's absences but do not confirm the reason for the missed games.

NCAA rules in place during the 2023-24 school year required transgender women competing on women's teams to meet specific hormone treatment and testosterone level requirements. Under this policy, transgender women needed at least one year of testosterone suppression treatment and blood test results below 10 nanomoles per liter of total testosterone for women's volleyball. These requirements applied before an athlete's first competition of a season segment, and schools were mandated to immediately remove any athlete found to be ineligible.

Batie-Smoose's account does not establish that Fleming competed while ineligible. Fleming did return to play in November of that season, having missed 17 matches. SJSU has declined to comment on the matter, citing pending litigation.

Batie-Smoose's lawsuit also addresses her relationship with former head coach Todd Kress, alleging their political and religious differences contributed to her mistreatment. She claims Kress, who she said was once a conservative Republican, shifted to an "extreme left" ideology and used her support for Donald Trump to create division within the team. She alleges Kress brought up her political and religious views inappropriately in front of athletes and threatened her job security.

The lawsuit describes Kress as calling her a "Trump lover" and claims her religious belief that "God made man and woman" was met with hostility. Batie-Smoose alleges she reported confrontations to administrators and human resources, but was told Kress was her superior and she needed to comply.

Her attorney, Vernadette Broyles, described the situation as an effort to silence Batie-Smoose, alleging that an administrator was assigned to monitor her practices and actions. The lawsuit claims Batie-Smoose believes this was intended to control her speech and behavior.

The CSU has defended its handling of Batie-Smoose's employment, stating in a March lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education that SJSU followed applicable laws and NCAA rules. The controversy also involves federal investigators, whose January findings concluded SJSU violated Title IX regarding athletic participation, facilities, and its response to complaints. The CSU disputes these findings.

Batie-Smoose was placed on paid leave in October 2024, with SJSU citing grounds including disclosure of private student information and unprofessional conduct, which she disputes. Her temporary appointment was not renewed in January 2025. She filed an employment lawsuit in September 2024. A judge dismissed her second amended complaint in September 2025, finding her allegations did not adequately demonstrate punishment due to her sex or protected complaints, but allowed her to amend the filing.

The current lawsuit, filed in October 2025, alleges violations of her rights to free speech, religious practice, and political belief, along with unequal treatment. Batie-Smoose seeks reinstatement or a comparable position, compensation, and correction of her personnel records.

In April, Batie-Smoose was hired as head volleyball coach at Cisco College in Texas. She described the new role as a divine calling to lead young women while her legal case proceeds.