Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 5
Federal Probe Finds San Jose State Wrongfully Denied 1 Volleyball Scholarship
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 5

Federal Probe Finds San Jose State Wrongfully Denied 1 Volleyball Scholarship

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 5

Summary

  • Education Department findings obtained by Fox News say San Jose State wrongfully refused Elle Patterson a women’s volleyball scholarship after the 2023 season.
  • The report said Patterson lost aid after an injury, while transgender teammate Blaire Fleming kept a scholarship despite also being injured and missing more games.
  • Patterson said coach Todd Kress had verbally promised her a full ride when she followed him from Fairfield, but her family instead paid out of pocket for a full year and never received the later aid she says was promised.
  • The findings also said San Jose State withheld requested information from federal investigators; the university and the CSU system are suing to challenge the Title IX investigation.
  • Patterson later transferred to IU Indianapolis and is now a plaintiff in broader litigation over San Jose State’s handling of transgender participation in women’s volleyball, with related Supreme Court guidance expected this month.

Insights

With $130M on the line, why is a university suing the government over its women’s volleyball policies?
As the Supreme Court prepares its ruling, what is the future for women’s sports and Title IX protections?
When a coach’s “full ride” promise vanishes, who is accountable for a student's financial future?