Ex-SJSU Star Brooke Slusser Battles Anorexia Post Volleyball Scandal
Brooke Slusser, a former volleyball player at San Jose State University (SJSU), is confronting significant health challenges after her experiences on the court. One year after her final game, she reflects on the stress that triggered her battle with anorexia.
Background of the Controversy
The tumultuous situation began when Slusser took legal action against her former teammate, Blaire Fleming, alleging that she was unaware Fleming was a transgender athlete. This lack of transparency affected their relationship, despite having shared numerous team experiences, including hotel accommodations and locker rooms.
Health Struggles Arise
As a result of the intense pressure and anxiety, Slusser developed an eating disorder. In one semester, her weight plummeted from 160 pounds to 128 pounds. At 5-foot-11, the drastic weight loss led to the loss of her menstrual cycle for nine months.
“I wasn’t eating really at all,” said Slusser. “It definitely isn’t healthy for someone of my size to be that weight.” Concern from friends and family grew, as they noticed her deteriorating health and mental state.
Impact on Personal Life
- Days without sufficient food: Some days, Slusser consumed as little as 400 calories.
- Emotional strain: She struggled with sleep and experienced recurring nightmares.
- Family concerns: Upon returning home for Christmas, her parents demanded she stay in Texas for her well-being.
Her father, Paul Slusser, was visibly troubled by the media’s portrayal of Brooke, which impacted her peers’ views of her. Her mother, Kim Slusser, was equally devastated by her daughter’s condition, recalling sleepless nights filled with worry.
Academic and Financial Fallout
Once she returned home, Brooke attempted to complete her coursework online but soon dropped out. This decision resulted in the loss of her athletic scholarship, forcing her family to bear the financial burden of her tuition and living expenses.
“We had to pay, basically her mortgage and her apartment for the rest of the semester,” Paul Slusser explained, highlighting the financial strain on the family.
A Journey Towards Recovery
Despite the hardships, Brooke focused on recovery, attributing her healing process to spiritual growth and support from her community. She became involved in church activities, ultimately leading to her baptism.
Current Status
- New Coaching Role: Slusser is now coaching youth volleyball in North Carolina.
- Relationship Development: She has started dating a high school friend, aiding her emotional recovery.
- Legal Actions: Brooke is an active participant in two Title IX lawsuits aimed at addressing the situation she encountered at SJSU.
By Thanksgiving, both Brooke and her parents acknowledged her physical and mental recovery as she navigates the pursuit of her degree at a different institution.
Future Implications
Brooke Slusser remains committed to her advocacy for women’s sports, believing that those responsible for her ordeal should face accountability. Meanwhile, investigations into the handling of her case by SJSU are ongoing.
As the situation unfolds, the impact of Brooke’s story on college sports and the policies surrounding transgender athletes continues to resonate, paving the way for future discussions and changes in the sporting community.
