Martina Navratilova Calls for Firing of SJSU Volleyball Coach Amid Allegations

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has urged San Jose State University (SJSU) to dismiss their volleyball coach, Todd Kress. Her comments followed a report by Fox News Digital about severe allegations against Kress from a former player, which emerged during a widely-publicized transgender athlete scandal in 2024.

Navratilova shared a post by Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead, criticizing Kress and the university. “Fire his a–!” Navratilova stated emphatically. In another comment, she expressed her disgust, saying, “This is truly sickening… this coach should have been fired yesterday!”

The allegations stem from a letter received by the university in October 2024. The letter was from a former player of Kress at Fairfield University, claiming he assaulted her in 1998. The alleged incident reportedly took place in a hotel room following a match.

Emails indicate that SJSU officials confirmed receipt of the allegations and offered apologies to the player. Despite these acknowledgments, Kress has remained in his position. Fox News Digital verified these interactions and the player’s participation under Kress at Fairfield.

The player’s letter details a disturbing encounter after a game loss. She describes being sent to Kress’s room, where he allegedly smeared caramel on her, attacked her, and coerced her into drinking liquor. She recounts fearing for her scholarship, which deterred her from reporting the incident at the time.

In June 2026, Fox News Digital requested public records from SJSU regarding the allegations. SJSU declined, citing privacy concerns and the records’ non-disclosure under the California Public Records Act. The university’s response emphasized the balance between privacy and public interest.

Fox News Digital also pursued responses from university and athletic officials on the case specifics and safety measures for current players. They received no comment. Similar inquiries to Fairfield University resulted in non-comment on personnel issues.

Journalist Jackson Thompson, noted for his sports coverage with Fox News Digital, reported on the story. Thompson’s work has informed federal Title IX enforcement and featured in major media outlets.