Former Player Breaks Silence on Assault Allegations Against SJSU Volleyball Coach Todd Kress

A woman who previously played for San Jose State University volleyball coach Todd Kress at Fairfield University has come forward publicly for the first time since filing a complaint with SJSU administrators in October 2024. Speaking on condition of anonymity to Fox News Digital, she detailed allegations that Kress assaulted her in a hotel room following Fairfield’s NCAA Tournament loss to Clemson in December 1998. She claims the university has taken no action despite receiving her account months ago.

The accuser stated that SJSU officials acknowledged receiving her letter and met with her and her attorney in November 2024, with interim Title IX Officer Peter Lim expressing apologies for her experiences. However, no further communication followed, and the university has refused to disclose details of any investigation, citing privacy exemptions and attorney-client privilege. The woman expressed frustration that her decision to work through official channels rather than pursue public disclosure has yielded no apparent results.

According to her detailed account provided to the university, Kress allegedly assaulted her after the Clemson game, initially smearing caramel on her face and body, forcing her onto a bed, and then threatening to turn on a shower while she remained in a bathtub. The letter alleges he blocked her exit until she consumed liquor, after which she fled her room while he pursued her. Kress has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding these allegations.

The allegations emerge amid ongoing scrutiny of Kress’s tenure as SJSU head coach during the 2024 season, which was marked by controversy involving transgender athlete Blaire Fleming. A federal Department of Education Title IX investigation determined the university improperly declined to suspend Kress during that scandal, with internal records suggesting administrators feared media attention if they removed him.

Current and former SJSU volleyball players have criticized the university’s handling of both situations. Brooke Slusser, who played for Kress in 2023-24 and is suing SJSU over her own complaints, stated that she and teammates were never informed of the October 2024 allegations. Former associate head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, suspended after filing her own Title IX complaint, is pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university.

SJSU, the California State University system, and Kress have declined to respond to multiple requests for comment over the past two weeks. The university has rejected public records requests seeking investigation materials and correspondence related to the allegations. Fairfield University declined to comment, citing its policy against discussing personnel matters.