Call Her Daddy Host Alex Cooper Accuses Her Female College Soccer Coach of Sexual Harassment
Alex Cooper, the dynamic and influential host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, has recently come forward with powerful allegations against her former college soccer coach, Nancy Feldman of Boston University. In her newly released Hulu documentary, “Call Her Alex,” Cooper bravely recounts distressing experiences from her time as a student-athlete over a decade ago, revealing instances of sexual harassment that fundamentally altered her perception of both the sport she loved and her university environment.
Allegations of Unwanted Attention and Inappropriate Conduct
Cooper vividly expresses her anger towards both Feldman and Boston University for enabling the misconduct to continue unchecked. During her time on the women’s soccer team, Cooper experienced unwanted attention from Feldman, which included invasive questions about her personal life and inappropriate physical contact. These actions not only made her uncomfortable but also severely impacted her enjoyment of the sport. “She turned something that I loved so much into something extremely painful,” Cooper shares in the documentary, highlighting her struggle to reconcile her passion for soccer with the harassment she faced.
Support from Former Teammates and Dismissal from University Officials
Adding weight to Cooper’s accusations, former teammate and dormmate Alex Schlobohm has come forward to corroborate her account, affirming that other players were also subjected to similar experiences with Feldman. When Cooper took the courageous step to voice her concerns to university officials, she was disheartened by their responses. Instead of taking her allegations seriously, administrators told her, “We’re not gonna fire her, but you can keep your entire scholarship and that’s that.” This dismissal prevented any meaningful investigation into her claims, further entrenching Cooper’s feelings of isolation and abandonment.
Emotional Impact and Retaliatory Measures
Living under the shadow of her coach’s predatory behavior forced Cooper to develop strategies to avoid one-on-one interactions with Feldman. She would alter her routes to practice and intentionally sit away from her during meetings, doing everything possible to minimize contact. The emotional toll of the experience led her to consult with attorneys about potential legal actions against the coach, but they warned her that the fight for justice might jeopardize her scholarship, leaving her at a crossroads.
In previous discussions about her past, Cooper touched on the profound pain of her experiences but expressed a desire to speak out only after finding a sense of healing. Now, with the launch of her documentary, she feels fortified and empowered to share her truth. Cooper believes that sharing her story not only contributes to her resilience but also resonates with others who have faced similar challenges. This courageous step emphasizes the importance of addressing harassment and the need for accountability from those in positions of power.
Feldman’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Nancy Feldman has long been viewed as a prominent figure in women’s collegiate sports. Serving as the coach of the Boston University Terriers from 1995 until her retirement in 2022, she led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and established a reputation as a successful coach. However, in light of Cooper’s allegations, her legacy is now being subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism. The contrast between her achievements and the harrowing accounts of her former players highlights the urgent need for cultural change within sports institutions, where such behaviors have too often been overlooked or dismissed.
Broader Implications for Accountability in Sports
“Call Her Alex” represents a crucial point in the conversation surrounding sexual misconduct in athletics, serving to not only spotlight Cooper’s personal struggles but also to bring attention to the pervasive issues that plague women’s sports. The documentary invites viewers to reflect on the systemic failures of institutions to protect their athletes and emphasizes the need for policies that promote accountability, transparency, and a culture where survivors can confidently come forward without fear of retaliation.
As Cooper continues to advocate for herself and others, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing transgressions within the world of sports. The support from fellow athletes and the growing recognition of the issues at hand highlight a critical moment for change. By elevating these conversations, Cooper and other advocates aim to create a safer environment for future generations of athletes.
Through her revelations, Alex Cooper not only reclaims her narrative but also empowers countless others to share their own stories. It is a pivotal moment for those who have suffered in silence, marking a step toward necessary change in the sports community and beyond.
