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SJSU Volleyball Team’s Season Ends Amidst Controversy and Challenges
San Jose State University’s volleyball team has faced a season full of difficulties and controversies, ultimately missing the chance to participate in the Mountain West Tournament. Their recent defeat against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, sealed their fate, culminating in a disappointing overall record of 13 wins and 16 losses, including an 8-10 mark in conference play.
This season turned out to be more challenging than anticipated. Despite being predicted to finish last in the preseason coaches poll, the Spartans exceeded expectations by securing a seventh-place finish in the Mountain West. This unexpected success came in the wake of a scandal involving trans athlete Blaire Fleming that shocked the university and its fans.
From Conference Finals to Turmoil
Last year, head coach Todd Kress guided the Spartans to the conference finals, but the team navigated a landscape complicated by controversy. During the prior season, SJSU benefitted from eight wins that were awarded via forfeit. In 2022, the Spartans made their first conference final appearance with Fleming as a part of the team under former head coach Trent Kersten.
The fallout from the controversy surrounding Fleming led to significant ramifications for the program. Throughout the 2024 season, two lawsuits were filed, a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education ensued, and a mass transfer of players took place. In December, several returning players chose to enter the transfer portal, signaling their discontent and seeking new opportunities.
A Season Marked by Discord and Challenges
The 2024 season was one of unprecedented chaos for the team, characterized by a series of forfeited matches, regular police protection, and intense scrutiny from the national media. Internal disputes among players and coaches added to the challenges faced by the team. Kress reflected on this tumultuous season, describing it as one of the most difficult experiences of his coaching career.
“This has been one of the most difficult seasons I’ve ever experienced,” Kress remarked, highlighting the toll that external pressures took on the team’s performance. “Ensuring the overall safety and well-being of my players amid the external noise has been my priority.” Kress, notable for his historic achievements in NCAA women’s volleyball, now looks to rebuild the program amidst these turmoil.
Legal Battles and Allegations
Amidst the controversy, former SJSU co-captain Brooke Slusser became embroiled in legal battles surrounding the program. Having transferred to SJSU from Alabama, Slusser filed a lawsuit in September 2024, alleging that SJSU officials concealed information regarding Fleming’s birth gender from her and other players. She claimed that she had been placed in compromising situations, sharing changing and sleeping spaces with Fleming without prior knowledge of her biological gender.
In November 2024, Slusser, along with multiple players from the Mountain West, sued both the conference and SJSU. They alleged that Fleming’s presence on the team had resulted in unfair treatment regarding scholarships and opportunities.
Coaching Controversies and Departures
Adding to the team’s challenges, assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose faced suspension in early November after filing a Title IX complaint against the university. Her complaint highlighted favoritism towards Fleming, which she argued undermined the team’s cohesion. Batie-Smoose claimed that Fleming received special exemptions that were not extended to other female athletes, including a lack of accountability for attendance and participation.
After further developments, Batie-Smoose’s contract was not renewed, prompting her to file her own lawsuit against the California State University Board of Trustees. Batie-Smoose asserted that the university failed to protect its players under Title IX and tolerated actions that compromised team integrity.
Responses and Reactions from the Players
Fleming has publicly responded to allegations made by Batie-Smoose and Slusser. In a social media exchange, she defended herself against claims of misconduct, stating, “The only times I showed up to practice with ‘no excuse’ and sat in the stands was when I was injured.” This back-and-forth highlights the tensions that erupted within the team.
Slusser, affected by the fallout from these controversies, decided to leave SJSU in light of alleged harassment from other students. Following her transfer, Slusser returned to her home in Texas to finish the academic year remotely and is currently coaching youth volleyball in North Carolina.
The Road Ahead for SJSU Volleyball
As the dust settles on this turbulent season, the future of the SJSU volleyball team remains uncertain. The university will need to implement strategies to rebuild its program, foster player relationships, and regain trust from prospective athletes.
Fleming celebrated her graduation from SJSU amidst this turmoil, marking the end of her college journey, while the University of Nevada, Reno, which also faced challenges, concluded the 2025 season with an 8-20 record. Both institutions find themselves at a crossroads and must now take concrete steps to address the implications of the past season.
In moving forward, the SJSU volleyball program will need to prioritize uniting the team and creating an environment where all players feel valued and supported. The lessons learned from this turbulent season could be the foundation for a renewed commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
