A former softball player from the University of California, Berkeley, has accused an ex-head coach of using her authority to pressure the player into a sexual relationship. Allegedly, the coach threatened to reduce the player’s playing time if the relationship ended. The complaint was filed on August 24 in Alameda County Superior Court.
The lawsuit claims that the university failed to intervene and allowed Chelsea Spencer to continue as head coach even after the athletic department staff learned of the relationship. Spencer resigned last June, following a campus investigation that found she had violated policy regarding consensual relationship conflicts. The lawsuit does not specify the investigation’s timeline and states Spencer was uncooperative.
“Berkeley proudly holds itself out as the No. 1 public university in the world. That reputation comes with a responsibility to protect its students.” – Gizem Gures, attorney
The former player hired the law firm Slater Slater Schulman for her case. Gizem Gures, an attorney at the firm, criticized the university’s handling of the investigation in a statement to USA Today Sports. Gures emphasized the responsibility the university bears in safeguarding its students.
The lawsuit details that Spencer’s advances began in fall 2023 after the player, an incoming transfer, joined the softball team. Spencer’s daily communications with the player soon took on a romantic nature. Allegedly, Spencer called the player “beautiful” and mentioned that her girlfriend was “lucky.” Gifts in the form of cash were also given.
The complaint states that once the player ignored Spencer’s advances, the coach retaliated by reducing her playing time. It claims that when the player did not meet Spencer’s demands, there was yelling, differential treatment, and withheld playing opportunities, indicating Spencer’s personal demands were linked to her authority.
The allegation suggests severe emotional distress forced the player to end her collegiate softball career prematurely. The former player is seeking a jury trial and damages for personal injuries and other losses.