Former SJSU Volleyball Star Alleges Unknowingly Sharing Bed with Transgender Teammate

Brooke Slusser claims she lived with a transgender teammate at San Jose State without knowing the athlete's biological sex.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Former San Jose State University (SJSU) volleyball player Brooke Slusser alleges she unknowingly shared living space and even a bed with a transgender teammate, Blaire Fleming, during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Slusser claims SJSU head coach Todd Kress encouraged her to live with Fleming, who Slusser did not know was biologically male at the time. Slusser says she shared personal secrets and even her bed with Fleming, only to later learn the truth about Fleming's gender identity. This has led to a legal battle between Slusser, SJSU, and the California State University (CSU) system over Title IX violations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in women's sports and the potential conflicts that can arise when transgender individuals participate on teams with cisgender athletes. It also raises questions about informed consent, privacy, and the responsibilities of coaches and universities when it comes to housing transgender students. The outcome of Slusser's lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of women's sports in the United States.

The details

According to Slusser, she was encouraged by SJSU head coach Todd Kress to live in an apartment, known as "the villa", with Fleming and other volleyball teammates. Slusser claims she was unaware that Fleming was transgender and biologically male. Over the course of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Slusser says she shared many personal experiences with Fleming, including showering, changing, and even sharing a bed. It wasn't until a news article was published revealing Fleming's transgender identity that Slusser learned the truth. Slusser alleges this caused her significant distress and has led her to take legal action against SJSU and the CSU system for Title IX violations.

  • Slusser moved into "the villa" apartment at the start of the 2023 school year.
  • Blaire Fleming joined Slusser in "the villa" a few days after Slusser moved in.
  • In the 2024 spring semester, a news article revealed that Fleming was transgender.

The players

Brooke Slusser

A former volleyball player at San Jose State University who alleges she unknowingly shared living space and a bed with a transgender teammate.

Blaire Fleming

A transgender volleyball player at San Jose State University who Slusser claims she lived with without knowing Fleming's biological sex.

Todd Kress

The head coach of the San Jose State University volleyball team who allegedly encouraged Slusser to live with Fleming.

Cynthia Teniente-Matson

The president of San Jose State University, who announced the school is suing the federal government in response to an investigation that found SJSU violated Title IX in its handling of the situation involving Slusser and Fleming.

Melissa Batie-Smoose

A former assistant volleyball coach at San Jose State University who is suing the school for wrongful termination.

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What they’re saying

“You find out you're just chilling in a bed with a man that you have no idea about … I [was] unknowingly sharing a bed at that time with a man.”

— Brooke Slusser, Former SJSU Volleyball Player (Fox News Digital)

“Todd Kress, knowing this person was a man, and saying that I'm going to 'fit in better' with these girls on my volleyball team, couldn't have been further from the truth.”

— Brooke Slusser, Former SJSU Volleyball Player (Fox News Digital)

“She's been anorexic and struggled with food since I've known her[,] aka since 2023. She literally would weigh herself 2-3x a day and keep track of it on her whiteboard in her room…. So I really don't care or feel bad for her.”

— Blaire Fleming (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to dismiss the remaining Title IX charges against the California State University system after the upcoming Supreme Court ruling in the B.P.J. v West Virginia case, which is expected in June.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, raising questions about informed consent, privacy, and the responsibilities of coaches and universities. The outcome of Slusser's lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of women's sports in the United States.