Boston University Women’s Soccer Alumni Rally Behind Coach Amid Alex Cooper Sexual Harassment Allegations
Boston University Women’s Soccer Alumni Defend Coach After Alex Cooper’s Harassment Claims
By Oliver Salt | Updated: 13:19 BST, 17 June 2025
[Image: Alex Cooper during her time at Boston University’s soccer team]
Podcast host Alex Cooper has accused former Boston University (BU) women’s soccer coach Nancy Feldman of sexual harassment in her new Hulu documentary, Call Me Alex. Cooper, known for the Call Her Daddy podcast, alleges Feldman subjected her to invasive questioning about her personal life and benched her for refusing to share intimate details. She claims the university dismissed her complaints, leaving lasting emotional scars.
Alumni Rally Behind Coach
Nearly 100 former BU players have signed a letter defending Feldman, who coached the team for 25 years before retiring in 2019. The alumni, spanning multiple decades, described her as “professional” and stated they “never felt unsafe or witnessed inappropriate behavior.” They emphasized Feldman’s positive influence, calling her a mentor who “remains an important part of our lives.”
[Image: Nancy Feldman coaching during a game]
Cooper’s allegations include claims that Feldman asked about her sexual experiences and relationships. Her former teammate and roommate, Alex Schlobohm, corroborated the accusations, recalling instances of uncomfortable questioning. Cooper alleges she was benched for withholding personal information, which she called a “humiliating” tactic to force compliance.
University Responds
BU released a statement affirming its “zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment” and encouraging reporting through official channels. However, Cooper claims her complaints to university officials went unaddressed at the time. “The system failed me,” she said in the documentary.
[Image: Cover of Cooper’s Hulu documentary, Call Me Alex]
Divergent Perspectives
While the alumni letter acknowledges Cooper’s right to share her experience, it contrasts sharply with her account. Signees praised Feldman’s leadership, stating she prioritized the team’s success and maintained appropriate boundaries. Meanwhile, Cooper’s documentary highlights the emotional toll of the alleged harassment, describing how her “love for soccer turned into pain.”
The case underscores broader debates over accountability in sports and institutional responses to harassment claims. Fans and advocates await further developments as both sides stand by their narratives.
For support, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (U.S.) or visit rainn.org.
[Image: Alex Cooper in New York City promoting her documentary]
