Suspended San Jose State women’s volleyball associate head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose says she has no regrets. She stood against biological males competing in women’s sports, even at the cost of her career.
Batie-Smoose was suspended indefinitely after filing a Title IX complaint. She accused Blaire Fleming, a transgender player on the team, of conspiring with an opponent to sabotage a match and injure teammate Brooke Slusser. Twelve women are suing San Jose State and the Mountain West Conference. They argue their Title IX and First Amendment rights are being violated. Five conference teams, including Boise State and Wyoming, have canceled games against SJSU.
Smoose told Fox News’ Harris Faulkner that she had enough. “I just couldn’t take any more,” she said. She also shared how co-captain Brooke Slusser spoke out. “They continued to treat the young women and myself poorly for having our thoughts and opinions,” she explained.
Faulkner noted how carefully everyone involved seemed to follow rules and laws. “We’re definitely not allowed to speak on that,” Smoose responded. She said the university warned her that suspension could lead to termination if she spoke out. “They’re holding that silence over me and the team.”
“But you are speaking,” Faulkner pointed out. “You’re risking everything.” Smoose didn’t back down. “To me, it’s common sense,” she said. “There should not be biological men playing in women’s sports.” She believes this fight is critical for the future of young women, including her nieces and grandchildren.
Smoose praised teams that refused to compete against SJSU. “I’m so proud of those young women,” she said. “They’re standing up for what they believe in, even as the Mountain West tries to silence them.” She called it an inspiring example of courage.
The coach alleged that SJSU players are too afraid to speak out. Scholarships and playing time are on the line. “That’s what they’re holding over their heads,” Smoose claimed. “The team is scared to lose what they’ve worked for, so they stay silent.”
Smoose’s stance has come at a personal cost, but she remains firm. “This is about saving women’s sports,” she said. “We can’t let this continue. We need to stand up now.”