Former Cal softball player files suit alleging ex-coach pressured her into sexual relationship
The lawsuit claims UC Berkeley failed to protect the student-athlete after she tried to distance herself from then-Coach Chelsea Spencer.
A former University of California, Berkeley softball player has filed a lawsuit against her ex-coach, Chelsea Spencer, alleging that Spencer pressured the student-athlete into a sexual relationship and retaliated when the athlete attempted to end it. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, names the University of California Regents and Chelsea Spencer as defendants.
The former player, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, claims that Spencer used her position of authority to coerce her into the relationship, which allegedly began shortly after Jane Doe joined the softball program in September 2023. The suit alleges that Spencer provided Jane Doe with substantial gifts, including cash, AirPods, and other items, and that the sexual relationship continued for over a year before Spencer allegedly reduced or withheld Jane Doe's playing time after she tried to distance herself.
The lawsuit also claims that Spencer threatened to harm herself to prevent Jane Doe from ending the relationship. The University of California and Chelsea Spencer have declined to comment on the litigation.
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