Former Cal Softball Player Says Coach Coerced Her Into Sexual Relationship

A female former University of California softball player has filed a lawsuit against her school and former head coach Chelsea Spencer, alleging sexual misconduct. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court under the pseudonym "Jane Doe," alleges that Spencer forced the player into a sexual relationship during the 2024-25 school year.

The suit states that Spencer, who resigned as head coach in June 2025, engaged in frequent and intense personal communication with the player, including sharing suicidal and romantic thoughts. She also showered the player with gifts and special treatment, leading to an "intentional misconduct" pattern that adversely affected the player's playing time.

Spencer allegedly reduced or withheld playing opportunities for the player if she distanced herself or did not provide the attention Spencer demanded. The relationship became physical and sexual, occurring within the coach-athlete dynamic after Spencer invited the player to her hotel room in May 2024. The player claims she felt compelled to keep the relationship a secret and maintain Spencer's emotional satisfaction to avoid angering the coach.

Multiple coaches were aware of the relationship but did not intervene or report it. The player alleges that other players also expressed concerns about unusual closeness between Spencer and certain team members. Despite these warnings, Spencer continued the relationship, threatening suicide if the player ended it. When the player attempted to leave in April 2025, Spencer reportedly denied her the opportunity to pitch in the next game, leading to her removal from the team.