The renewed controversy stems from a letter submitted to the university in October 2024 by a former Fairfield University volleyball player who said she had an alarming encounter with Kress in 1998 when he coached at the Connecticut school.
According to the account, the incident occurred after a tournament match against Clemson University. The former player said she visited Kress’s hotel room to deliver a shirt intended for another teammate. What allegedly happened next became the subject of a complaint that would eventually reach San Jose State officials decades later.
In her written statement, the woman alleged that Kress physically restrained her and subjected her to unwanted conduct inside the hotel room.
“I was fighting back to get away from him,” she wrote.
The former athlete further claimed that Kress prevented her from leaving immediately and would not allow her to exit until she took a shot of alcohol.
“Once he did,” she wrote, “I ran for it.”
Records cited in media reports indicate that San Jose State Athletic Director Jeff Konya acknowledged receiving the complaint on October 24, 2024. Shortly afterward, the university’s Title IX office reportedly met with the former player and her attorney to discuss the allegations.
Despite the seriousness of the claims, Kress remained on the sidelines and continued coaching the Spartans throughout the season.
The controversy deepened after journalists sought access to documents related to the complaint. A public records request submitted earlier this year sought copies of the allegation letter and communications surrounding the matter. University attorneys reportedly declined to release the records, arguing that privacy concerns outweighed any public benefit from disclosure.
That decision has generated significant backlash from critics who argue that allegations involving a coach responsible for supervising female student-athletes deserve public examination.
The dispute arrives as San Jose State continues battling criticism over its handling of multiple Title IX-related controversies involving the women’s volleyball program.
The university became a national flashpoint during the 2024 season amid debates surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports. Several opposing teams forfeited matches against San Jose State, citing concerns over competing against transgender athlete Blaire Fleming.
The situation triggered national media attention and eventually prompted a federal investigation.
In findings released by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, federal officials concluded that the university violated Title IX protections for female athletes. The report alleged that school administrators failed to adequately respond to concerns raised by players and staff members during the season.
One of the most damaging revelations involved internal communications reportedly discussing whether disciplinary action should be taken against Kress.
According to the findings, university officials considered the potential media consequences of removing him during the controversy. Internal records allegedly stated:
“If we relieve him… we could also spark more media attention.”
Critics argue that the statement suggested public relations concerns were prioritized over accountability.
Meanwhile, assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, who raised concerns on behalf of female athletes and filed Title IX complaints, was suspended and later separated from the program. She has since launched legal action against the university, alleging wrongful termination.
Federal investigators also highlighted what they described as inconsistent treatment of staff members accused of similar policy violations, further fueling criticism of university leadership.
Another prominent figure in the controversy has been San Jose State volleyball player Brooke Slusser, who became one of the most recognizable voices opposing the university’s handling of the situation.
Following the federal findings, Slusser expressed frustration with university administrators.
“It makes me so mad that SJSU still refuses to see that everything they did is wrong.”
The latest allegations against Kress have now added another layer to an already explosive debate surrounding leadership, transparency, and athlete safety at the university.
Among those weighing in is Navratilova, who has become one of the most outspoken advocates for protecting women’s sports and ensuring female athletes receive equal treatment and opportunities.
After reviewing reporting on the allegations and the university’s response, the tennis icon did not mince words.
“This is truly sickening… this coach should have been fired yesterday!” she wrote.
Her comments quickly spread across social media and reignited calls for San Jose State to explain why Kress remained employed after officials became aware of the allegations.
As questions continue to mount, critics argue that the university’s response to repeated controversies reveals a troubling pattern of protecting institutional interests while failing to adequately address concerns raised by female athletes and staff members.
With ongoing lawsuits, federal scrutiny, and renewed public attention, pressure is likely to intensify on university leaders to provide answers about how the allegations were handled and whether additional action will be taken moving forward.
