During filming of a recent documentary, Alex Cooper uncovered ongoing harassment and abuse of power at Boston University (BU). She spoke with a victim who shared a deeply troubling story, prompting Cooper to feel a responsibility to shed light on the issue and advocate for change.
It’s worth noting that the athletics department at BU has not replied to requests for comments on this matter. Attempts to reach Nancy Feldman, the former women’s soccer coach, have also been unsuccessful. The documentary, directed by Ry Russo-Young, did not feature any official statements from the university or Feldman.
Cooper, who hails from Newtown, Pennsylvania, is now a major figure in the podcasting world. Her show, “Call Her Daddy,” became a sensation, ranking as Spotify’s second-most popular podcast in 2024, just behind “The Joe Rogan Experience.” She has also secured lucrative contracts, including a groundbreaking three-year, $60 million deal with Spotify and an even more impressive $125 million contract with SiriusXM. This financial success places her among the top women in podcasting, drawing comparisons to the legendary Howard Stern.
In her college career, Cooper was a dedicated soccer player at BU from 2013 to 2015. She played in 49 games, scoring one goal and assisting another—a modest tally given her commitment to the sport. However, her experiences weren’t limited to the pitch. In the documentary, she divulged troubling interactions with Feldman, who allegedly made inappropriate comments about Cooper’s body and personal life. When Cooper refused to share intimate details, she claimed Feldman retaliated by benching her.
“It felt like a twisted game of control,” Cooper recounted, emphasizing Feldman’s focus on her legs and the coach’s desire to isolate her from teammates. Cooper and her mother reported these incidents to BU’s athletics dean, but they felt the university dismissed their concerns and refused to take action.
Feldman, who coached at BU for nearly three decades, significantly shaped the women’s soccer program into a competitive force. Under her guidance, the program made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and won multiple championships. Despite these accomplishments, the recent allegations raise ethical questions about the power dynamics in college sports.
In a similar vein, recent studies indicate a rising awareness of harassment in sports. A survey by the Women’s Sport Foundation found that nearly 1 in 3 female athletes experienced unwanted sexual attention from coaches. This statistic underscores a worrying trend in collegiate athletics and calls for a re-evaluation of how institutions handle such cases.
The social media sphere reflects concerns about these ongoing issues as well. Recent viral discussions highlight the courage of athletes who choose to speak out against harassment. With conversations surrounding mental health and safety in sports gaining traction, athletes today are increasingly supported by fans and advocates alike.
As society navigates these complex discussions, it’s essential to ensure that athletes feel safe and heard, both on and off the field. The growing time for change is evident. Cooper’s commitment to raising awareness is a step forward in a broader movement toward justice in sports.
In closing, the narrative of harassment in collegiate athletics is far from over. With more athletes speaking out, the hope for substantial change may soon become a reality.
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