In a recent two-part Hulu documentary titled “Call Her Alex,” Cooper, a former Boston University (BU) soccer player and current host of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” detailed her troubling experiences with Mary Feldman, her former coach accused of sexual harassment.
Cooper claims that throughout her college soccer career from 2013 to 2015, Feldman misused her authority to engage in inappropriate behavior, which included unwelcome touching and sexualized comments.
During a telephone interview with the Globe, Cooper revealed the depths of her distress, stating that she faced daily harassment from Feldman, including inappropriate remarks about her appearance and attempts to have one-on-one meetings despite her discomfort.
“By my sophomore year, I was in hell,” said Cooper, who described how Feldman would make comments like, “We need to have a one-on-one talk,” while placing a hand on her thigh or squeezing her neck.
Describing her emotional turmoil, Cooper explained that these encounters left her feeling powerless and fearful for her career.
“I would always try to see if we could keep the door open,” she recounted, adding, “It was all-consuming. I felt like a shell of a human being.”
Despite attempts to seek help, including an early 2016 meeting with BU athletic director Drew Marrochello and other university officials, Cooper alleges that her concerns were disregarded.
Accompanied by her parents, she presented documented evidence of her experiences, but said that Marrochello ignored their concerns.
“I never heard from BU’s administration about my case since that day in 2016,” Cooper confirmed, expressing her disappointment with the institution’s response.
In a statement to the Globe, Brown, another coach, publicly defended her actions, claiming she had “no recollection of what has been suggested” and emphasizing her commitment to supporting players.
“I would never ignore, dismiss or turn away from anyone — a player, a teammate, a friend, a family member — who sought my help in any capacity,” Brown added.
The university acknowledged Cooper’s allegations, asserting their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
“We encourage members of our community to report any concerns, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment for all,” a statement from BU’s executive media relations director stated.
Cooper, however, expressed skepticism about this commitment, stating, “I understand why women and certain athletes do not come forward, because the system is completely flawed and terrifying.”
Since the release of the documentary, Cooper has received an outpouring of messages from other women sharing similar experiences at BU and other universities.
Their voices add to the ongoing conversation about sexual harassment in sports and the need for systemic change within athletic programs.
The revelations have sparked further scrutiny of BU’s handling of harassment complaints, as Cooper’s experience raises significant questions about the protection provided to student-athletes.
Feldman, who retired in 2022, has not responded to multiple requests for comment, and Cooper’s allegations continue to reverberate as more individuals come forward to share their stories.
This situation marks a critical moment for athletes and institutions, urging a necessary examination of the protocols in place to support and protect those who may find themselves in vulnerable positions within sports.
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