SJSU Volleyball Faces Player Exodus Following Trans Athlete Controversy

Seven players are leaving the team after a turbulent season marked by lawsuits, forfeits, and internal conflicts over the inclusion of a transgender athlete.

Seven San Jose State University volleyball players have entered the transfer portal following a season of significant turmoil surrounding transgender athlete Blaire Fleming's participation on the team.
The season included eight forfeited matches, national scrutiny, police presence at games, and allegations of favoritism and unsafe conditions within the program.
Co-captain Brooke Slusser joined lawsuits against the NCAA and Mountain West Conference, claiming the university withheld information about Fleming's gender and alleging discrimination in scholarship decisions.
Assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was suspended after filing a Title IX complaint, citing favoritism toward Fleming and raising concerns about player safety and morale.
The team's head coach, Todd Kress, described the season as one of the most difficult of his career, as the program now faces major roster turnover and reputational challenges heading into 2025.