Navratilova Calls for Dismissal of SJSU Volleyball Coach Amid Allegations

Martina Navratilova, renowned for her achievements in women’s tennis, has publicly urged San Jose State University (SJSU) to terminate volleyball coach Todd Kress. The call followed revelations by Fox News Digital about a letter detailing allegations against Kress by a former player, sent in fall 2024.

Navratilova shared a post from Nancy Hogshead, a U.S. Olympic swimming gold medalist, criticizing both the coach and the university. Navratilova wrote, “Fire his a–,” in a post, expressing urgency and anger, “This is truly sickening… this coach should have been fired yesterday.”

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During the heavily-publicized transgender athlete scandal involving the team, the allegations described Kress’s alleged improper handling of players, including both female and transgender athletes. Notably, this incident reflected broader issues of sex discrimination in sports.

Fox News Digital verified communications between SJSU and a former player who played under Kress at Fairfield University in 1998. This player accused Kress of attacking her in a hotel room during the 1998 NCAA Tournament after Fairfield’s loss to Clemson.

The detailed allegations included Kress smearing caramel on her face, forcibly handling her, and threatening her safety. The account further noted activities involving underage drinking with some teammates.

The player claimed fear of losing scholarships prevented her from reporting at the time. SJSU acknowledged receiving the complaint letter, apologizing to the former player, yet Coach Kress was neither suspended nor replaced.

Attempts to obtain related records have faced hurdles. Fox News Digital requested documentation regarding the incident addressed to SJSU, including particular October to November communications. However, SJSU denied access citing privacy concerns under the California Public Records Act, arguing that exposure would invade privacy outweighing public interest.

“The requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests,” the university’s legal representative stated.

“Disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs public interest.” Specific privacy rights and tests were invoked to justify the nondisclosure.

Following denial of records, Fox News Digital made a detailed press inquiry addressing key personnel for responses on the allegations and the Title IX complaint process. Yet no comment has been received from Coach Kress, SJSU officials, or legal representatives.

Similarly, Fox News Digital sought commentary from Fairfield University regarding the former player’s letter. The university has chosen not to comment on personnel matters. Fox News reporter Jackson Thompson covers significant issues in sports, including political and cultural dimensions. Notably, Thompson’s work has contributed to federal discussions on Title IX enforcement.