A Hero on the Front Lines: Coach Melissa Batie-Smoose Honored for Her Courage at SCOTUS Rally
The Moment at a Glance
On January 13, 2026, at the Alliance Defending Freedom Rally for Women’s Sports outside the U.S. Supreme Court, Melissa Batie-Smoose was celebrated as "one of few coaches in America" to stand up for her female players. Inside, ADF attorneys were arguing the cases West Virginia v. B.P.J and Little v. Hecox, which are cases that will determine whether states can enact laws that prohibit biological males from competing in women's sports. Outside, the athletes thanked Melissa, wondering why others wouldn't join her in the fight for their privacy, safety, and equal opportunities. As one attendee put it: "MBS—she's one of the few willing to stand and fight."
Melissa's Stand and the Backlash
As associate head coach at San Jose State University, Melissa observed patterns of discrimination that favored a male who identified as “transgender” This included special privileges not extended to female players. After filing a Title IX complaint in October 2024, she faced retaliation in the form of suspension and contract non-renewal.
CPRC filed a federal lawsuit on September 19, 2025, against the California State University System, alleging violations of Title IX and seeking reinstatement, damages, and injunctive relief to safeguard female athletes.
CPRC's Role and the Bigger Picture
“Melissa courage to stand for female athletes when so many others stayed silent is a powerful rebuke of the ideology that seeks to erase women’s sports, She is a hero on the front lines of this fight, and we are proud to stand with her” said Vernadette Broyles, CPRC President and General Counsel.
Melissa’s fight is not just her own, it is a critical front in the battle to defend truth and biological reality. Her case exposes the real-world consequences of an ideology that seeks to erase women, silence dissent, and punish courage. This is why CPRC stands with her – because her fight is every parent’s fight, and her victory will be a victory for every girl and woman in America.
The Path Forward: A Unified Fight on All Fronts
The Supreme Court cases on women’s sports are a critical front in this battle, but they are part of a much larger war against a destructive ideology. CPRC’s mission is to defend the well-being of children and families by fighting on every front, whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the culture. This is why our defense of Melissa Batie-Smoose complements our other landmark litigation like Foote v. Ludow currently pending at the Supreme Court, and why both are reinforced by educational efforts like our Church Transgender Response Guide, which equips faith communities to respond compassionately with truth,
As the Supreme Court weighs a decision that could set national precedent, CPRC continues advocating for accountability and ensuring that no courageous voice, whether it’s a coach, an athlete, or a parent is ever forced to stand alone.
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Our Commitment
CPRC was founded to ensure no family stands alone against ideological overreach. This amicus surge proves we are not alone in this fight. The Constitution stands with us, and so does the growing national movement.