Ex-SJSU Player Slusser Alleges Cover-Up of Coach Kress’s Past Misconduct

Brooke Slusser, a former standout player for the San Jose State University (SJSU) women’s volleyball team, has come forward with serious allegations regarding the university’s handling of misconduct claims against head coach Todd Kress. Slusser, who played for SJSU during the 2024 season, claims she and her teammates were kept in the dark about a decades-old accusation of assault against Kress, despite the university being formally notified.

Decades-Old Allegations Surface

The controversy centers on a letter sent to SJSU in October 2024 by a former player from Kress’s tenure at Fairfield University in 1998. This letter detailed disturbing allegations of an assault that occurred in a team hotel room. According to the former player’s account, Kress forcibly threw her onto a bed, pulled down his pants and placed his backside in her face, then picked her up and threw her into a bathtub, holding her down and threatening to turn on the shower.

The letter, which was originally sent to Fairfield University, was forwarded to SJSU when Kress was coaching there. The accuser stated she did not report the incident at the time due to fear of losing her scholarship and jeopardizing her teammates’ scholarships.

Slusser’s Experience and Parental Concerns

Slusser recounted that during her final season in 2024, rumors about Kress’s alleged past began to circulate, eventually reaching her parents. Concerned for her safety, her parents advised her to never be alone in a room with Kress. “I was told just to be safe and not be in a room alone with him when my parents found out about it,” Slusser told Fox News Digital. “I didn’t know all of the information, so it was kind of scary when I was concerned when everyone was telling me, ‘We’re not gonna tell you everything that happened ’cause we don’t wanna scare you, but we’re telling you from here on out, you are not allowed to be alone in a room with Todd Kress.'”

Her parents specifically suggested she bring former SJSU assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose or a teammate along for any meetings with Kress, whom they described as potentially aggressive.

University’s Response and Actions

Emails obtained by Fox News Digital from an independently verified source indicate that SJSU officials acknowledged receipt of the allegations in October 2024. An interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim, corresponded with the former Fairfield player, expressing sorrow for her experiences and stating the university would assess the information to determine next steps, which could include an investigation.

However, Slusser asserts that the university never informed her or her teammates about these serious allegations. “The school gave us absolutely zero information. This was never brought up once,” she stated. She added that after an article detailing the allegations was published, former teammates contacted her, inquiring if the claims were true and if she had any further knowledge.

Suspension of Assistant Coach Sparks Outrage

Adding to the controversy, Melissa Batie-Smoose, the assistant coach who had advised Slusser’s parents to accompany her during meetings with Kress, was suspended shortly after the allegations against Kress were formally brought to the university’s attention. Batie-Smoose had submitted a Title IX complaint. Her contract was not renewed in January, and she has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Slusser expressed significant distress over Batie-Smoose’s suspension. “I think that’s the part that bothers me the most, is that they’re gonna let go of Melissa, who was always there for us, protected us, cared for us, and then you’re gonna keep [Kress] on payroll,” Slusser said.

Slusser’s Own Lawsuit and Warning

Beyond the current revelations, Slusser is also pursuing her own lawsuit against SJSU and the California State University system. Her suit stems from her alleged experiences with Kress during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including an incident where Kress allegedly encouraged her to live with a former teammate, Blaire Fleming, without disclosing that Fleming was a transgender woman. Slusser stated that Kress’s actions and the university’s response were aimed at hiding information.

She issued a stark warning to the current SJSU volleyball team and its prospective recruits. “I would say beware… see the man that you just committed to playing for for the next four years. It’s not someone I would wanna send my daughter to play for or anyone that I know. I wouldn’t send my worst enemy to play for him,” Slusser declared.

Continued Coaching and Social Media Activity

Despite the resurfaced allegations and the ongoing scrutiny, Todd Kress has remained the head coach of the SJSU women’s volleyball team. In the days following the public reporting of the allegations, Kress has continued to post on social media, highlighting SJSU’s recruitment efforts and participating in coaching camps.

SJSU formally declined a public records request for documents related to the emails exchanged with the former Fairfield player, citing substantial privacy interests. Attempts to reach Kress, SJSU officials, and their legal counsel for comment were reportedly unsuccessful.

The situation highlights a significant disconnect between the university’s internal acknowledgment of serious allegations and its communication with current student-athletes, as well as the subsequent actions taken regarding personnel.