Former Cal softball player files suit alleging ex-coach pressured her into sexual relationship

September 3, 2026

A former Cal softball player has filed a lawsuit claiming her coach — who abruptly resigned last summer — used her position of authority to pressure the student-athlete into a sexual relationship.

The former UC Berkeley player, listed in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, accuses ex-coach Chelsea Spencer of retaliating against her by withholding playing opportunities after she tried to distance herself from the relationship.

The lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court on Aug. 24 names the University of California Regents and Spencer as defendants and alleges negligent hiring and supervision and failure to warn, train or educate. San Francisco Chronicle