NEW YORK CITY – Popular podcaster Alex Cooper has come forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment against her former college soccer coach in the upcoming Hulu documentary, “Call Her Alex.”
Immediate Impact
Set to premiere on June 10, the documentary reveals that Cooper, host of the widely-followed “Call Her Daddy” podcast, experienced a three-year period of escalating harassment from her coach, Nancy Feldman, while at Boston University. Cooper claims the harassment began during her sophomore year and continued until she left the team in her senior year.
Key Details Emerge
According to the documentary, Feldman, who coached the Boston University women’s soccer team for 22 years, allegedly fixated on Cooper, making inappropriate comments about her body and personal life. Cooper recounts Feldman asking intrusive questions, such as whether she had engaged in sexual activity the previous night, and attempting to isolate her.
“I felt a lot of anger—anger at my coach, anger at my school, and anger at the system that allowed this to happen,” Cooper said in the documentary, as reported by Vanity Fair.
Industry Response
The revelations have sparked discussions within collegiate sports circles about the handling of harassment claims. Boston University, at the time of the allegations, reportedly did not take action against Feldman, allowing her to continue coaching until her retirement in 2022.
By the Numbers
Feldman compiled 418 victories, ranking 22nd all-time among NCAA women’s soccer coaches, and was named conference coach of the year 12 times.
What Comes Next
The documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, has brought renewed attention to how universities handle such allegations. Cooper’s decision to speak out was reinforced by learning that similar incidents continue to occur at Boston University.
“During the filming of this documentary, I found out that the harassment and abuse of power is still happening on the campus of Boston University,” Cooper stated during a Q&A session, according to Deadline.
Background Context
Cooper, who played for the Terriers from 2013 to 2015, has previously hinted at her traumatic experiences in interviews with Cosmopolitan and The New York Times. The documentary aims to shed light on the challenges faced by student-athletes dealing with harassment.
Expert Analysis
Experts suggest that the revelations in “Call Her Alex” could lead to increased scrutiny of college athletic programs and their policies on harassment. The timing of the documentary’s release is significant, as it coincides with ongoing discussions about safeguarding student-athletes.
Regional Implications
The allegations have prompted calls for Boston University to revisit its policies and ensure a safe environment for its students. The university has yet to respond to requests for comment from major media outlets.
As the documentary prepares for its wider release, Cooper’s story underscores the importance of addressing harassment in collegiate sports and the need for systemic change to protect student-athletes.