Nancy Feldman

Boston Alumni Rally Behind Soccer Coach Amid Harassment Claims

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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).

Alex Cooper Alleges Sexual Harassment by Former College Soccer Coach

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Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” has come forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment against her former college soccer coach, Nancy Feldman. In her new docuseries, “Call Her Alex,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8 and will be available for streaming on Hulu starting June 10, Cooper shares her unsettling experiences during her time playing for Boston University’s women’s soccer team from 2013 to 2015. In the documentary, Cooper, now 30, describes how Feldman began to exhibit a concerning fixation on her during her sophomore year. She recalls feeling “deeply uncomfortable” as the coach made inappropriate comments about her personal life and body, often insisting on spending time alone with her. Cooper explained that the situation felt confusing and overwhelming, stating, “[It] was all based in her wanting to know who I was dating, her making comments about my body and her always wanting to be alone with me.” One particularly troubling incident involved Feldman insisting on driving Cooper to her night class alone, which left Cooper feeling trapped. “It was this psychotic game of, ‘You want to play? Tell me about your sex life,’” she recounted. Despite the discomfort and fear she experienced, Cooper felt unable to speak out at the time due to the pressure of being on a full-tuition scholarship. “If I didn’t follow this woman’s rules, I was gone,” she said. Following the allegations, Cooper confided in her parents, who sought legal advice. However, they were informed that pursuing a case against the university could result in a lengthy and arduous process. Cooper also mentioned that when she presented written documentation of her encounters with Feldman to Boston University officials, no action was taken. During a Q&A session after the premiere of her docuseries, Cooper expressed her frustration with the system, stating, “I want to tell women to come forward and say it, but I did, and I wasn’t believed, and then it took me a decade.” She emphasized the importance of sharing her story, despite the challenges she faced, noting, “I’m not ashamed that it took me 10 years… It’s really opened my eyes to how difficult the system is, and it’s so built against us as women.” Cooper graduated from Boston University in 2017 with a degree in film and television. Feldman, who coached the university’s women’s soccer team for 27 years, retired from the athletics department in 2022. In light of Cooper’s allegations, Us Weekly has reached out to both Boston University and Feldman for comments. As a prominent figure in the podcasting world, Cooper’s revelations have sparked conversations about the treatment of women in sports and the importance of believing survivors. Her story resonates with many who have faced similar challenges, and she hopes to encourage others to speak out against harassment and abuse. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for support and resources.