UC Berkeley softball coach misconduct lawsuit

A former UC Berkeley softball player has filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court against the university and former head coach Chelsea Spencer. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The lawsuit claims that Spencer exploited an unequal power dynamic to coerce the player into a sexual relationship. The plaintiff alleges that when she attempted to distance herself from the coach, Spencer retaliated by reducing her playing opportunities, which impacted her senior year and potential professional career.

The complaint further alleges negligence by the University of California, stating the school failed to protect the student despite an internal investigation finding that Spencer had violated campus policies regarding conflicts of interest in consensual relationships. While one report suggests the relationship began in 2024, another indicates it began in 2023. Spencer, who resigned in June 2025, has indicated an intention to address the allegations through the legal process.