Melissa Batie-Smoose, a former San Jose State University women's volleyball coach, recently opened up about her dismissal, linking it to her stance against the inclusion of a transgender athlete on the women's team. Batie-Smoose's contract was not renewed following a Title IX complaint she lodged against the university. Her complaint centered around transgender athlete Blaire Fleming, whom Batie-Smoose alleged colluded with an opposing player, leading to both a team loss and an injury to teammate Brooke Slusser.

The former coach expressed her support for recent Title IX policy adjustments, viewing them as a positive step towards protecting women's sports. She emphasized the need for continued change within the NCAA and relevant legislation to ensure the future of women's athletics. Batie-Smoose's fight against the university's handling of the situation has cost her a 30-year career. She stated her commitment to advocating for women and women’s sports remains unwavering despite the personal consequences.

Batie-Smoose described a challenging environment where the university administration, athletic department, and head coach appeared to prioritize protecting the transgender athlete over addressing the concerns of the female athletes. She characterized this as a traumatic experience for the team members, impacting their final two years of collegiate volleyball. Slusser herself previously commented on the coach’s suspension, stating it removed their only safe space. San Jose State University, citing personnel matters, declined to comment on the situation.