A former University of California, Berkeley softball player has filed a lawsuit against the university and ex-head coach Chelsea Spencer, alleging Spencer used her authority to pressure the player into a sexual relationship and cut her playing time when the player tried to end it. The complaint accuses Cal of failing to intervene despite athletic department staff learning of the alleged relationship, allowing Spencer to remain head coach for months afterwards, including four months after she was given a multi-year contract extension. The case raises questions about how universities handle allegations of coach-athlete misconduct and institutional accountability.

Filed on 24 August in Alameda County Superior Court, the lawsuit claims Spencer's advances began in autumn 2023 towards the then-newly transferred player, involving daily calls and texts that turned romantic, personal disclosures, and cash gifts. When the player stopped responding, Spencer allegedly grew angry and reduced her playing opportunities as punishment. A subsequent Cal investigation reportedly found Spencer had breached campus policy on conflicts of interest in consensual relationships, though Spencer was said to be uncooperative; she stepped down as coach in June last year. Cal declined to comment, while the player's lawyer criticised the university's handling of the matter; the former player is seeking a jury trial and damages, saying the ordeal ended her collegiate career early.