In a shocking revelation in her new Hulu docuseries “Call Her Alex,” Alex Cooper, the creator and host of “Call Her Daddy,” has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against her former soccer coach at Boston University, Nancy Feldman.
Cooper detailed how her relationship with Feldman took a disturbing turn during her sophomore year. What started as a seemingly normal coach-player dynamic soon spiraled into uncomfortable territory, with Feldman showing a keen interest in Cooper’s personal life, particularly her dating life. Cooper described instances where Feldman would make inappropriate comments about her body and constantly seek to be alone with her.
The situation escalated during Cooper’s junior year when Feldman allegedly crossed a line by questioning Cooper about her sexual activities and imposing unfair consequences on her. Cooper recounted a disturbing meeting where Feldman interrogated her about her personal life and subsequently sidelined her during a crucial game, despite Cooper’s pivotal role in securing a victory for the team.
The alleged harassment took a toll on Cooper, who felt trapped and fearful of being alone with Feldman. She recounted instances where she actively avoided the coach, taking alternate routes to practice and sitting far away from her during meetings.
Feldman’s behavior also impacted Cooper’s teammates, with Cooper’s college roommate, Alex Schlobohm, being abruptly kicked off the team without explanation. Cooper revealed that Feldman exerted control over her social interactions, dictating who she could live with and restricting her contact with friends.
In a courageous move, Cooper and her parents took action by reporting Feldman’s actions to the Boston University athletics department. However, their efforts were met with resistance, as the administrators dismissed their concerns and refused to address the issue effectively. Feeling unsupported and unheard, Cooper made the difficult decision to step away from soccer during her senior year.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Cooper expressed a sense of empowerment in speaking out against the injustices she faced. The docuseries delves into her journey towards reclaiming her voice and pursuing a career in media, fueled by a determination to never be silenced again.
In a poignant revelation, Cooper shared that her decision to speak out a decade later was prompted by discovering that others had endured similar experiences of harassment under Feldman’s coaching. The revelations shed light on a systemic issue within the Boston University athletics department, prompting a much-needed conversation about accountability and support for victims of harassment.
As the allegations surface, questions loom over Boston University’s response to the claims. With Feldman’s retirement in 2022 and a new leadership in the athletics department, the spotlight now falls on the institution’s handling of misconduct and the need for transparency and accountability moving forward.
The narrative of Alex Cooper’s harrowing experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and standing up for justice. It underscores the resilience of survivors and the urgency of addressing systemic issues to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.
