Alex Cooper, known for her hit podcast "Call Her Daddy," has accused her former soccer coach at Boston University, Nancy Feldman, of inappropriate behavior she describes as sexual harassment.
These claims come from Cooper’s new documentary, "Call Her Alex," which premiered recently at the Tribeca Film Festival. In the film, she explains that the harassment allegedly began during her sophomore year when Feldman started focusing on her more than on other players. This made Cooper feel confused and uncomfortable.
She recalls instances where Feldman made unwanted comments about her dating life and body. "It felt like a game," Cooper said. She mentioned that Feldman would often demand to drive her alone, making the situation more troubling. Cooper remarked, “I felt so deeply uncomfortable.”
At the time, Cooper hesitated to speak out. She was on a full-tuition scholarship and feared the repercussions. After confiding in her parents, they sought legal advice. However, they were warned that pursuing a case could take years, complicating matters further.
Despite having a meeting with Boston University officials, Cooper claims no actions were taken against Feldman. She retired in 2022, but during Cooper’s senior year, she chose not to play soccer and managed to keep her scholarship.
In a poignant moment in the documentary, Cooper returns to the soccer field, overwhelmed with emotion about the experiences she missed out on. "I was scared and felt hopeless," she reflects. After leaving campus, Cooper became determined to ensure her voice would never be silenced again.
Currently, Feldman has not publicly responded to the allegations. Cooper’s story aligns with a bigger trend of athletes speaking out against misconduct in sports. Recent studies show that nearly 40% of female athletes encounter some form of harassment, highlighting the urgent need for better protections.
If you’d like to learn more about these important issues in sports and the experiences athletes face, you can find additional insights in resources like NCAA’s report on sexual misconduct which emphasize the need for reform and support systems for athletes.
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