Alex Cooper accuses coach of sexual harassment during college soccer career

In her documentary 'Call Her Alex,' Alex Cooper revealed troubling experiences from her time playing soccer at Boston University from 2013 to 2015. The incident that prompted her to leave the women's soccer team related to coercive behavior from her coach, Nancy Feldman, who allegedly put Cooper on probation ahead of her senior year. Cooper described feeling isolated and controlled, with demands such as living arrangements and one-on-one meetings that made her uncomfortable. The coach's comments about her personal life and physical appearance further exacerbated this distress. Cooper ultimately decided she could no longer endure the situation. Boston University has responded, asserting a commitment to a safe environment and stating they have a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. However, despite these claims, Cooper expressed disappointment about the lack of action taken by the university against Feldman. Following Cooper's allegations, a group of 99 former players defended Feldman, stating they never felt unsafe or witnessed inappropriate behavior while playing under her leadership. They claimed Cooper's experiences did not reflect their own, suggesting a divide in perceptions about Feldman's coaching environment. This situation has brought significant attention to the issue of sexual harassment in sports, prompting discussions on the responsibility of educational institutions to protect their athletes and the seriousness of allegations made against coaches. Cooper's claims, and the subsequent support for Feldman, highlight the complexities involved in addressing such sensitive allegations in the world of collegiate sports. The conversations stemming from this situation are crucial for fostering a safe atmosphere for all athletes in the future.