In a remarkable show of support, nearly 100 alumni from Boston University’s women’s soccer team have defended their former coach, Nancy Feldman, against allegations of sexual harassment made by Alex Cooper. The accusations surfaced during Cooper’s recent docuseries, “Call Her Alex,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The alumni, a collective of 99 former players, released a letter asserting that their experiences with Feldman starkly contrast with the claims made by Cooper. They emphasized that they never felt unsafe under Feldman’s leadership and had not witnessed any behavior that could be construed as sexual harassment. The letter, reported by TMZ, aimed to document their united stance, stating, “We categorically never felt unsafe.”
Cooper, who played for the BU women’s soccer team from 2013 to 2015, alleged in her docuseries that Feldman exhibited inappropriate behavior, including excessive focus on her personal life and comments about her body. She described feeling uncomfortable with Feldman’s insistence on wanting to be alone with her and alleged that Feldman made inappropriate comments about her dating life.
The alumni acknowledged the importance of individual experiences but felt compelled to share their own positive interactions with Feldman. They described her as a professional who prioritized the team’s success and fostered a supportive environment. The letter concluded with a strong declaration of support for Feldman, stating, “She has remained an important part of our lives, and we shall stand by her.”
In response to the allegations, a Boston University spokesperson reiterated the institution’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, emphasizing their commitment to a safe campus environment. The university encourages all members of its community to report any concerns through its Equal Opportunity Office.
Cooper’s decision to speak out about her experiences was motivated by a desire to shed light on a larger issue of harassment in college sports. During the premiere of her docuseries, she shared that the decision to share her story was not just about her own experience, but about addressing a broader culture that allows such behavior to persist.
Feldman, who retired in 2022 after a distinguished 27-year coaching career at Boston University, has not publicly commented on the allegations. Her former players, however, have made it clear that they stand firmly behind her, reinforcing the impact she had on their lives both on and off the field.
The situation highlights the complexities surrounding allegations of harassment, particularly in environments that foster close-knit relationships, such as college sports teams. As the conversation continues, it remains essential to listen to all voices involved while striving for a culture of accountability and respect.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources are available, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).