A former player for the University of California, Berkeley's softball team has initiated legal proceedings against the university and its former head coach, Chelsea Spencer. The lawsuit, filed on August 24 in Alameda County Superior Court, alleges that Spencer pressured the player into a sexual relationship and subsequently reduced her playing opportunities when she attempted to distance herself from the coach.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe in the legal documents, has named Spencer, the University of California’s Board of Regents, and several unnamed individuals, including administrators and athletic staff, in her complaint. The allegations include sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, alongside claims of negligence against the university. Notably, the lawsuit points out that an internal investigation by the university found that Spencer had violated campus policies regarding conflicts of interest in consensual relationships.
Michael Carney, a managing partner at the law firm representing the plaintiff, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "Our client came to UC Berkeley to pursue her lifelong dream of playing softball at the highest level, in an environment where she could focus on her sport and her education. Instead, she was placed in an impossible position by a coach who held power over her future and by a university that failed to enforce its own policies." Carney emphasized the importance of accountability, asserting that no student-athlete should have to choose between resisting exploitation and protecting their career.
The lawsuit details that Spencer's inappropriate communication with the player began in September 2023, extending beyond the typical coach-athlete dynamic. Spencer allegedly contacted the player daily through calls, texts, and social media messages, which eventually turned romantic. The complaint states that Spencer made comments such as, "you’re so beautiful" and offered the player gifts and special treatment. Alarmingly, the coach is also accused of threatening self-harm when the player expressed a desire to end the relationship.
As the relationship progressed, the lawsuit claims that Spencer expected the player to be constantly available. When the player failed to respond promptly, Spencer reportedly retaliated by limiting her playing time. The filing notes, "When (the player) did not provide Spencer the attention she demanded, Spencer yelled at (her), treated her differently, and reduced or withheld playing opportunities." This manipulation reportedly began even before the relationship became sexual.
The sexual aspect of their relationship allegedly began during a softball trip in May 2024, when Spencer invited the player to her hotel room. This encounter led to a year-long sexual relationship, during which Spencer is accused of using threats of suicide to maintain control over the player. The lawsuit claims that when the player attempted to withdraw from the relationship, Spencer threatened to take her own life.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that other members of the coaching staff, including Spencer’s then-wife, were aware of the inappropriate relationship but failed to take any action to separate the two. The complaint indicates that in February 2025, other players raised concerns regarding Spencer's favoritism towards the plaintiff, which was reported to associate athletic director Gordon Bayne. Subsequently, in May 2025, Spencer discussed the relationship with Bayne, leading to the player's removal from the program just before her senior season.
Spencer, who is a former player for Cal, resigned as head coach in June 2025, citing a need to prioritize her mental health and family. During her tenure, she led the Golden Bears to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and had recently signed a three-year contract extension in February 2025.
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