Former San Jose State Coach Files Federal Lawsuit
Ex-coach Melissa Batie-Smoose sues the university and California State University system.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Volleyball
Former associate head volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose has filed a federal lawsuit against San Jose State University and the California State University system. Batie-Smoose alleges she was suspended and fired in retaliation for raising concerns regarding a transgender player on the team.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing legal and internal conflicts regarding transgender athletes in women's sports. The dispute follows a 2024 season marked by multiple match forfeitures by opposing teams.
The lawsuit follows the 2024 season in which San Jose State included transgender player Blaire Fleming. Multiple opposing teams chose to forfeit matches against the program during that time.
The players
Melissa Batie-Smoose
She is the former associate head women's volleyball coach at San Jose State University.
Blaire Fleming
She is a transgender athlete who played for the San Jose State women's volleyball team during the 2024 season.
San Jose State University
This is a public university located in San Jose, California, and a member of the California State University system.
California State University system
This is the public university system in California that includes San Jose State among its campuses.
The details
Batie-Smoose alleges that her suspension and subsequent non-renewal were retaliatory actions taken after she filed a Title IX complaint. The university moved to end her appointment following her suspension in November 2024.
Timeline
November 2024: Melissa Batie-Smoose was suspended from her coaching role.
September 2026: A federal judge dismissed a previous lawsuit filed by Batie-Smoose.
October 2026: Melissa Batie-Smoose filed a new federal lawsuit.
Season Trajectory
This lawsuit extends the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2024 San Jose State women's volleyball season match forfeitures. The legal action maintains the focus on internal policy disputes that have defined the team's standing in recent seasons.
The filing of this lawsuit ensures that the university's internal handling of Title IX complaints and team rosters will remain under public scrutiny. Future developments in the case may influence how institutional policies regarding transgender athletes are litigated in higher education.
The takeaway
The case underscores the persistent tension between institutional policies and individual coaching staff challenges regarding team composition. It serves as a reminder of how personnel disputes can evolve into long-term federal litigation.
Further reading
Learn more about the program at San Jose Volleyball.
