Former Cal softball player sues university over coach sexual relationship claims

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 1:16 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Former Cal softball player sues university over coach sexual relationship claims
Summary

A former University of California softball player has filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court alleging that former head coach Chelsea Spencer pressured her into a sexual relationship. The complaint states that Spencer used her position of authority to coerce the player, threatening to withhold playing time when the student failed to meet her demands. According to the court filing, university officials were informed of the inappropriate relationship in February 2025, yet Spencer remained in her role for several months before resigning in June 2025. The lawsuit claims Cal failed to protect the athlete and allowed the conduct to persist despite prior internal reports. A university spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing legal action or the institution’s internal investigation into Spencer. The plaintiff, who was removed from the team in May 2025, completed her final year of studies through the university online.

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By the Numbers
  • •The lawsuit was filed in Alameda County Superior Court on August 24
  • •Chelsea Spencer resigned as head coach in June 2025
  • •The plaintiff alleges playing time was tied to participation in a sexual relationship
  • •Cal associate athletics director Gordon Bayne reportedly received player reports in February 2025
  • •The university declined to comment on the lawsuit or its internal investigation
Latest Updates
  • 1:16 AMYahoo Sports — Former Cal softball player files suit alleging ex-coach pressured her into a relationship
  • 3:17 AMYahoo Sports — Former Cal softball player files suit alleging ex-coach pressured her into sexual relationship
  • 7:40 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Cal softball player sues university, alleges coach pressured her into sexual relationship
What they're saying
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A former University of California, Berkeley softball player is suing the school and former head softball coach Chelsea Spencer, alleging that the coach pressured her into a sexual relationship and reduced her playing opportunities when she tried to distance herself. The player, who is referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, filed the complaint Aug. 24 in Alameda County (Calif.) Superior Court. The complaint names Spencer, the University of California’s Board of Regents, unidentified people inclu

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A former Cal softball player has sued the university and its former head softball coach, alleging she was pressured into into a sexual relationship.

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The lawsuit claims UC Berkeley failed to protect the student-athlete after she tried to distance herself from then-Coach Chelsea Spencer.

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