Exclusive: Former San Jose State Volleyball Coach’s Home Targeted in Shooting Incident

The Incident Unfolds

In a chilling turn of events, the home of former San Jose State University (SJSU) assistant volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was shot at on Monday night in Scotts Valley, California. Both Batie-Smoose and local law enforcement confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital. The Scotts Valley Police Department, led by Captain Scott Garner, revealed that theweapon used was a pellet gun, and the incident is currently being classified as an act of vandalism. While the pellet was recovered, no suspects or motives have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing. Despite the lack of surveillance footage or concrete leads, police are conducting interviews with neighbors in an effort to piece together what happened.

Batie-Smoose Speaks Out: A Belief in Targeted Harassment

Batie-Smoose expressed her conviction that the incident was not a random act but rather a deliberate targeting. When asked if she believed the shooting was linked to her ongoing disputes with SJSU and the high-profile situation involving transgender volleyball player Blaire Fleming, she responded unequivocally, "I do. It can’t be a coincidence. I’ve never had anything like this happen before. My neighbors, who’ve lived here for over 10 years, have never even seen a robber in the area, let alone someone shooting at a house." Her words underscore a deep-seated belief that she has been singled out for speaking her mind.

The Context: A Larger Controversy

The incident occurs against the backdrop of a contentious legal and cultural battle. Batie-Smoose, who had her contract with SJSU expire on January 31 following her suspension in November, has been at the center of a storm involving Fleming, a transgender athlete. Batie-Smoose filed a Title IX complaint alleging that Fleming conspired with an opposing player to target former SJSU co-captain Brooke Slusser during a match. She is also involved in a lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West Conference, claiming violations of Title IX and unfair treatment. While police have yet to establish any direct link between Monday’s incident and these ongoing disputes, Batie-Smoose remains adamant that her advocacy for women’s sports has made her a target.

A Harrowing Night: The Events of Monday Evening

The shooting took place while Batie-Smoose was in a virtual meeting with members of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), including lead attorney Bill Bock and Mountain West Conference volleyball players involved in the lawsuit. As they discussed the NCAA’s new gender eligibility policy, Batie-Smoose heard the sound of shattering glass. She recalled, "I hear this big sound, and at first, I wasn’t sure where it came from. Then I saw the bullet hole in the window." Startled, she crawled behind her couch and called her husband, instructing him to contact the police. The pellet was fired at a window facing her backyard, with police concluding that the shot likely originated from the street behind her home. Many of her neighbors were not present at the time of the incident, which has left Batie-Smoose feeling vulnerable and concerned for her safety.

A Growing Pattern of Intimidation

Batie-Smoose has faced increasing hostility in recent months, including hostile emails and in-person confrontations with individuals who disagree with her stance on transgender inclusion in women’s sports. She believes her visibility in the community and her outspoken advocacy for women’s sports have made her a target. While she acknowledges that her address is not publicly listed, she is keenly aware that in today’s digital age, such information can be easily uncovered. "People recognize me in the community, and I’m in an area with some crazies," she remarked. "I definitely believe it was a target on me for speaking out." The incident has left her feeling unsafe, and she has temporarily relocated from her home while authorities continue their investigation.

The Bigger Picture: A Clash of Values and Safety Concerns

The shooting at Batie-Smoose’s home has sparked broader conversations about safety, free speech, and the intense polarization surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. While the police have classified the incident as vandalism, Batie-Smoose and others argue that the use of a pellet gun—which can cause serious harm—should not be dismissed so lightly. "It’s crazy to me," she said. "Regardless of whether it’s a real gun or a pellet gun, if something like that hits you, it can harm you. I don’t know how this gets downgraded to vandalism." Her comments highlight the tension between legal classifications and the very real sense of fear and vulnerability that victims of such incidents experience.

As the investigation continues, Batie-Smoose’s case serves as a stark reminder of the personal risks that can come with taking a stand in highly charged cultural debates. While the situation remains unresolved, one thing is clear: the intersection of sports, identity, and activism has created a volatile environment where individuals like Batie-Smoose feel the weight of their convictions in deeply personal ways.