SJSU Denies Records on 1998 Kress Abuse Claim as Coach Stays in Post
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
SJSU Denies Records on 1998 Kress Abuse Claim as Coach Stays in Post
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
Summary
June 22, 2026, San Jose State formally rejected a public-records request for emails and a complaint letter alleging volleyball coach Todd Kress assaulted a former player in 1998, citing privacy exemptions under California law.
The denied records concern a letter sent to SJSU on Oct. 24, 2024, during the team’s transgender-player controversy; emails show athletic director Jeff Konya and the Title IX office acknowledged the allegations, met the former player and her lawyer, and discussed possible next steps.
Kress was never suspended and continued coaching through the 2024 season, again in 2025, and remains head coach. Fox News Digital said Kress, Konya, Title IX officials and university counsel did not answer detailed questions.
A federal Education Department Title IX probe separately found SJSU chose not to suspend its volleyball coach during the 2024 scandal, partly over concerns a suspension could draw more media attention and disrupt the team.
The dispute adds to SJSU’s wider Title IX scrutiny after the university agreed to a $1.6 million settlement in a separate case over years of mishandled sexual-misconduct complaints against an athletic trainer.
Amidst federal probes and decades-old abuse claims, why does SJSU's volleyball coach remain in charge?
With a history of scandals, is SJSU's athletic department prioritizing its reputation over athlete safety?
40 Federal Investigations, 1 Lawsuit: San José State Volleyball at the Center of the National Transgender Athlete Policy Battle (2024–2026)
Overview
Federal scrutiny over transgender athlete policies has intensified, leading to at least 40 civil rights investigations during the Trump administration’s second term. San José State University became a national focal point after its women’s volleyball team faced disrupted seasons and legal battles over conference rules allowing transgender athletes to compete. Despite a conference investigation finding no wrongdoing, the university and the California State University system escalated the issue by suing the U.S. Department of Education, defending their policies and institutional integrity. This legal showdown is shaping national debates on fairness, safety, and Title IX, with outcomes likely to influence future policies across collegiate sports.