Martina Navratilova Demands SJSU Fire Volleyball Coach Amid Serious Allegations

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has joined the chorus calling for San Jose State University (SJSU) to dismiss its women’s volleyball coach, Todd Kress, following reports of serious allegations made by a former player. Navratilova’s strong stance comes in the wake of a letter detailing accusations against Kress, which was reportedly sent to the university in the fall of 2024, a period already marked by controversy surrounding transgender athletes within the SJSU volleyball program.

Navratilova’s Outrage Over Allegations

The legendary athlete amplified her concerns by re-sharing a post from U.S. Olympic swimming gold medalist Nancy Hogshead on social media. Navratilova did not mince words, posting a forceful “Fire his a–!” and adding, “This is truly sickening… this coach should have been fired yesterday!” Hogshead’s original post highlighted concerns about sex discrimination, referencing Kress’s alleged treatment of both female and transgender players during his tenure.

Details of the Allegations Emerge

Reports indicate that in October 2024, the SJSU athletic department received a detailed letter outlining allegations from a former player who competed under Kress at Fairfield University in 1998. The letter, which was also sent to Fairfield University previously, describes an alleged incident in a hotel room following a 1998 NCAA Tournament game. According to the former player’s account, she was asked by a teammate to bring a shirt to Kress’s room. Upon entering, she alleges Kress, who appeared intoxicated, smeared caramel on her face and hair, forcibly threw her onto a bed, and then exposed himself by pulling down his pants and placing his backside near her face. The account further details that Kress then allegedly picked her up and held her in a bathtub, threatening to turn on the shower.

The former player stated she was hesitant to report the incident at the time due to fear of jeopardizing her athletic scholarship and potentially causing her teammates to lose theirs. She also claimed that underage teammates had been drinking with Kress during that period.

University’s Response and Records Dispute

University emails obtained by news outlets show that SJSU officials acknowledged receiving the allegations, thanked the former player for coming forward, and expressed regret for her experiences. Despite this acknowledgment, Kress was reportedly not suspended and has continued in his role as head coach. The university’s Title IX office was also involved in correspondence regarding the matter in November 2024.

A public records request filed by news organizations seeking copies of the complaint letter, follow-up emails, and correspondence from the Title IX office was denied by San Jose State University. The university cited privacy concerns under the California Public Records Act, stating that disclosure would invade privacy and that the public interest in disclosure was minimal compared to the privacy rights of individuals involved. The university’s legal counsel indicated that exemptions related to personnel records, general privacy rights, and a balancing test were applied.

Continued Scrutiny and Lack of Comment

Following the denial of the public records request, a detailed press inquiry was sent to Kress, SJSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya, and university legal counsel J. Leah Castella, summarizing the obtained records and posing specific questions. These included Kress’s response to the 1998 allegations, the specific actions taken by the Title IX office, and whether current players were interviewed about their safety. The inquiry also questioned the university’s classification of the public interest in safety warnings as “minimal,” particularly given SJSU’s ongoing defense in a federal lawsuit concerning its Title IX compliance within the volleyball program.

As of the time of reporting, neither Todd Kress nor representatives for San Jose State University have provided a response to the inquiries. Fairfield University also declined to comment on the former player’s letter, citing a policy against commenting on personnel matters.

Broader Context of Women’s Sports and Title IX

The situation at SJSU unfolds against a backdrop of increasing national attention on issues of sex discrimination and fairness in women’s sports, particularly concerning the inclusion of transgender athletes. High-profile athletes and advocates are closely watching how universities handle allegations of misconduct and ensure compliance with Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding. The call by figures like Navratilova and Hogshead underscores a broader movement advocating for accountability and the protection of female athletes.

The allegations against Coach Kress, dating back nearly three decades, coupled with the university’s response and subsequent denial of public records, have intensified scrutiny on SJSU’s athletic department and its commitment to athlete safety and equitable treatment. The outcome of this situation is likely to be closely monitored by athletic organizations, policymakers, and the public concerned with safeguarding the integrity and fairness of collegiate sports.