Overview

• Melissa Batie-Smoose filed suit against the California State University Board of Trustees, alleging her November suspension and subsequent nonrenewal were retaliation for a Title IX complaint.
• Her complaint asserts she learned of an alleged plan involving player Blaire Fleming to have co-captain Brooke Slusser spiked in the face during an October 3 match.
• The Mountain West Conference opened an inquiry into the alleged plot and closed it on November 15, citing insufficient evidence.
• Batie-Smoose claims the university withheld information about Fleming’s biological sex, warned her not to share it with players or parents, and granted Fleming preferential treatment.
• The filing says her contract was not renewed in January, she has struggled to find coaching work after moving to Texas, and she seeks damages, reinstatement, back pay, and injunctive relief.