Former UC Berkeley Softball Player Claims Coach Misused Authority for Relationship, Alleges Retaliation

A former softball player at the University of California, Berkeley has accused a former head coach of exploiting her position to initiate a sexual relationship with the player. According to a lawsuit filed on August 24 in Alameda County Superior Court, the coach allegedly threatened to limit the player’s time on the field if she ended the relationship.

The lawsuit, obtained by OutKick, also claims that the university failed to act, allowing coach Chelsea Spencer to remain in her position despite staff being informed of the alleged relationship. Spencer eventually resigned from her role in June last year, four months after she had agreed to a new contract.

The lawsuit states that a Cal investigation found Spencer violated campus policy concerning conflicts of interest in consensual relationships. However, the filing does not specify when the investigation took place. Spencer reportedly did not cooperate with investigative efforts.

In a statement to OutKick, a University of California, Berkeley spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit or the investigation into Spencer.

The former player has hired the law firm Slater Slater Schulman for legal representation. Attorney Gizem Gures emphasized the university’s responsibilities given its reputation. She spoke to USA Today Sports about the lawsuit, stating, “Berkeley proudly holds itself out as the No. 1 public university in the world. That reputation comes with a responsibility to protect its students.”

“As a Cal alum, it is deeply disappointing to see what our client experienced and how the University responded after its own investigation substantiated the conduct. Our client deserved better. Berkeley’s students deserve better. The University needs to do better,” the statement continued.

According to the complaint, Spencer’s advances towards the player began in fall 2023, shortly after the player transferred to join the team. Spencer allegedly reached out regularly through phone calls and messages which turned romantic over time. She also allegedly complimented the player, saying things like, “you’re so beautiful,” and shared personal details along with gifts.

When the player ignored messages, Spencer’s response allegedly included anger and a reduction in the player’s opportunities to participate in games.

The former player contends that Spencer’s actions, and the university’s lack of intervention, resulted in significant emotional distress. She claims these factors prematurely ended her collegiate softball career. She seeks a jury trial along with damages for personal injuries and other losses.