Ex-Coach Sues San Jose State Over Alleged 'Trump Lover' Taunts Amid Transgender Player Scandal

A former assistant coach for the San Jose State University women's volleyball team has filed a lawsuit alleging that the program's head coach, Todd Kress, subjected her to taunts about her political and religious beliefs during the controversy surrounding a transgender athlete's participation. The lawsuit was filed by Melissa Batie-Smoose, who claims Kress mocked her for supporting Donald Trump and disparaged her religious views, including her belief that biologically male athletes should not compete in women's sports.

According to the complaint, Kress allegedly called Batie-Smoose "Trump-loving" and a "Trump lover" in front of players. She also stated that Kress "cornered, yelled at, and berated her," creating an unsafe environment and negatively impacting her relationships with players and her standing within the program and the university.

Batie-Smoose served as an assistant coach for two seasons before being suspended and eventually relieved of her duties. She had previously filed a Title IX complaint in October 2024, raising concerns about the transgender athlete and the female players on the team. She was placed on paid administrative leave days after filing her complaint.

The university and the California State University system are currently suing the federal government. This legal action challenges a determination made by the U.S. Department of Education in January 2026, which concluded that San Jose State University discriminated against women by allowing a transgender athlete to compete on the women's volleyball team. The transgender athlete in question is Blaire Fleming.

San Jose State has not yet responded to Batie-Smoose's latest lawsuit.