A former Woodside High School student is suing the Sequoia Union High School District, accusing officials of failing to protect her from a volleyball coach who has since been arrested. The complaint names 26-year-old Thomas Feng and says the relationship began when the student was 15 and continued on campus and at school-sanctioned events. The suit, filed Wednesday, alleges both the district and a local volleyball club ignored warnings that, according to the complaint, allowed the alleged abuse to continue.
What the lawsuit says
The complaint, filed by Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, alleges Feng groomed the student, texting her every day, guaranteeing her a spot on the team and showing favoritism, then sexually assaulted her multiple times on school grounds and at school-sanctioned events, as reported by SFGATE. The student filed a police report in June 2025, and the San Mateo County District Attorney later charged Feng with felony sexual assault of a person under 18, according to the article.
Allegations of ignored warnings
The suit says district administrators brushed off multiple complaints, including two anonymous reports and a parent tip to the athletic director in 2023, and did not report a reasonable suspicion of child abuse to law enforcement, according to the complaint. "By dismissing complaints, the district prioritized its reputation over the safety of students, leaving Feng in a position to do more harm," attorney Lauren Cerri said in a statement to SFGATE.
District history and local context
The complaint also names Academy Volleyball, a regional club where the student played, accusing it of negligence in hiring and supervising Feng. Sequoia Union has been dealing with other legal and budget pressures this year, including a recent settlement in an unrelated student case, highlighting a period of strain for the district, according to reporting by The Almanac.
Legal angle
Under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, school employees who know or reasonably suspect child abuse must immediately notify law enforcement or child-protective services and file a written follow-up, according to guidance from the California Department of Justice. Those who report in good faith generally have immunity, while failing to report can expose mandated reporters and institutions to civil and criminal consequences.
What comes next
The criminal case against Feng remains pending as prosecutors pursue charges and the civil lawsuit moves through the court system. The initial complaint asks the courts to hold the district and the club accountable for failing to act. Plaintiff attorneys say they are seeking justice and have asked anyone with information to contact their firm; contact details and background are available at Cerri, Boskovich & Allard.
The case adds to a recent string of high-profile school-accountability claims on the Peninsula and will likely bring fresh scrutiny to how districts, clubs and coaches are supervised. We will update this report as new filings and official statements become available.
