Boston, MA, January 9, 2026
News Summary
Boston University is currently dealing with serious allegations regarding athlete safety within its women’s soccer program. Former player Alex Cooper has accused head coach Nancy Feldman of sexual harassment, sparking widespread concern about campus integrity and the well-being of student-athletes. The university has responded with a commitment to a rigorous review of its policies, while the community remains divided, with some alumni defending Feldman and others supporting Cooper’s claims. As the situation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing need for accountability in collegiate athletics.
Boston University grapples with Athlete Safety Allegations
Recent allegations involving a former Boston University coach and student-athlete have brought renewed attention to the critical importance of campus integrity and student well-being within Boston’s collegiate athletics community.
Boston, MA — In the vibrant and competitive landscape of Boston’s higher education, institutions like Boston University strive for excellence not only in academics and research but also in athletics. Collegiate sports are often seen as a crucible for developing leadership, discipline, and community spirit. However, recent developments concerning allegations within Boston University’s women’s soccer program underscore the ongoing commitment required to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all student-athletes, prioritizing their personal responsibility and academic freedom alongside their athletic pursuits.
These discussions are vital for maintaining the trust placed in our educational establishments and for upholding the high standards of conduct expected from those who guide young individuals. The allegations highlight that while celebrating innovation and achievement, institutions must also remain vigilant in fostering an environment where every student can thrive free from harassment and undue influence.
Allegations Emerge from a Former Student-Athlete
Alex Cooper, a former Boston University soccer player and host of the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast, publicly alleged sexual harassment by her former head coach, Nancy Feldman. These claims were detailed in Cooper’s Hulu docuseries, “Call Her Alex,” which premiered in June 2025. Cooper stated that the alleged harassment began during her sophomore year at the university, where she played Division I soccer for three seasons from 2013 to 2015.
Cooper described Feldman, who coached women’s soccer at Boston University from 1995 until her retirement in 2022, as becoming excessively fixated on her. The allegations included inappropriate comments about her body and sex life, attempts to secure alone time with her, and unwanted physical contact such as placing a hand on her thigh. Cooper also claimed Feldman would leverage field time in exchange for information about her personal life.
Institutional Response and Further Developments
Boston University issued a statement in June 2025 following Cooper’s allegations, emphasizing its “zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment” and its “robust system of resources, support and staff dedicated to student wellbeing and a thorough reporting process through our Equal Opportunity Office.” The university also stated its commitment to fostering a safe and secure campus environment.
However, Cooper and her parents had previously alleged that the university failed to take action when they reported the concerns to athletic authorities, including Athletic Director Drew Marrochello, stating that her claims were dismissed and no formal investigation was launched at the time. Cooper was allowed to retain her scholarship despite quitting the team in her senior year.
In the wake of these allegations, Boston University announced in June 2025 that it would undergo a “new external review” of its athletics department’s policies. This review aims to evaluate how the university prevents harassment, supports those who raise concerns, and ensures reports are addressed consistently and lawfully.
Reactions from the Alumni Community
The situation has generated varied responses within the Boston University community. A group of former Boston University women’s soccer players reportedly spoke out in defense of Nancy Feldman. In a letter dated June 13, 2025, signed by 99 alumni spanning nearly three decades of Feldman’s tenure, they stated that they “categorically never felt unsafe” and were “never at risk of or witness to inappropriate behavior or anything that could be characterized as sexual harassment.”
Conversely, some alumni and former teammates supported Cooper’s decision to come forward. Cooper herself noted in her documentary that she learned of other women who allegedly experienced similar situations with Feldman, which prompted her to share her story.
Further Allegations within the Program
The controversy expanded with additional allegations emerging against Casey Brown, who succeeded Nancy Feldman as head coach in 2022 and had previously served as her assistant coach. In September 2024, student-athlete Shayla Brown contacted the university’s confidential ethics hotline regarding alleged inappropriate behavior by Casey Brown. Shayla Brown and 17 other women’s soccer players subsequently brought their claims to the university’s Equal Opportunity Office.
Casey Brown reportedly stepped down from her head coaching position in December 2024 after Boston University initiated an investigation into these complaints. An earlier external investigation commissioned by BU found no evidence of sexual harassment or policy violations by Feldman, but the university has since decided to conduct a broader external review of its athletic department policies.
Fostering a Culture of Integrity and Accountability in Collegiate Athletics
These events underscore the paramount importance of cultivating environments within collegiate athletics that prioritize the safety, respect, and well-being of student-athletes. Boston’s universities and colleges are central to the educational and economic ecosystem of Massachusetts, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all programs, including sports, is crucial. Ensuring that reporting mechanisms are truly effective and that all allegations are thoroughly and transparently investigated reinforces the principles of academic freedom and personal responsibility that are cornerstones of higher education. Institutions must continuously review and strengthen their policies to prevent harassment and ensure accountability, protecting students while fostering their growth and development as leaders both on and off the field. This commitment is vital for every institution within the Massachusetts higher education landscape.
Conclusion
The allegations surrounding Boston University’s women’s soccer program highlight significant discussions about student safety, institutional accountability, and the culture of collegiate athletics in Boston. As Boston University undertakes an external review of its athletic department policies, the broader Massachusetts higher education community observes these efforts to ensure a supportive and respectful environment for all. It is a reminder that fostering innovation and athletic prowess must always be balanced with an unwavering commitment to the personal and academic integrity of every student. We encourage readers to stay informed on developments across Boston MA college news and support initiatives that promote ethical leadership and student well-being within our local universities and colleges.
Keywords: Boston MA college news, Boston University athletics, student athlete well-being, Massachusetts higher education, campus integrity, UMA research.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Former BU Head Coach Accused | Nancy Feldman |
| Accuser’s Name | Alex Cooper, host of “Call Her Daddy” podcast |
| Timeline of Allegations against Feldman | Began during Alex Cooper’s sophomore year (2013-2015), detailed in docuseries “Call Her Alex” released June 2025. |
| Feldman’s Tenure at BU | Coached women’s soccer from 1995 until retirement in 2022. |
| BU’s Initial Response | Stated a “zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment,” but Cooper alleged her claims were dismissed at the time. |
| Current Institutional Action | Boston University announced a “new external review” of its athletics department policies in June 2025. |
| Alumni Reactions | 99 former alumni signed a letter defending Feldman, stating they “categorically never felt unsafe.” |
| Further Allegations (Successor Coach) | Allegations made against Casey Brown (Feldman’s successor and former assistant) by Shayla Brown and 17 other players in September 2024. |
| Casey Brown’s Action | Stepped down from head coaching position in December 2024 after an investigation was initiated. |
FAQ Section
Q: Who made the sexual harassment allegations against a former Boston University soccer coach?
A: Alex Cooper, a former Boston University soccer player and host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, publicly alleged sexual harassment by her former head coach, Nancy Feldman.
Q: When were these allegations publicly detailed?
A: The allegations were detailed in Cooper’s Hulu docuseries, “Call Her Alex,” which premiered in June 2025.
Q: What was Boston University’s initial public response to the allegations?
A: Boston University issued a statement emphasizing its “zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment” and its “robust system of resources, support and staff dedicated to student wellbeing and a thorough reporting process through our Equal Opportunity Office.”
Q: Did Boston University take any further action regarding its athletics department?
A: Yes, Boston University announced in June 2025 that it would undergo a “new external review” of its athletics department’s policies.
Q: Were there other allegations made within the Boston University women’s soccer program?
A: Yes, additional allegations emerged against Casey Brown, who succeeded Nancy Feldman as head coach. Student-athlete Shayla Brown and 17 other players brought claims against Casey Brown to the university’s Equal Opportunity Office in September 2024.
Q: What was the outcome for Coach Casey Brown?
A: Casey Brown reportedly stepped down from her head coaching position in December 2024 after Boston University initiated an investigation into these complaints.
Q: How did some alumni respond to the allegations against Nancy Feldman?
A: A group of 99 former Boston University women’s soccer players reportedly spoke out in defense of Nancy Feldman, stating in a letter that they “categorically never felt unsafe” and were “never at risk of or witness to inappropriate behavior or anything that could be characterized as sexual harassment.”
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Individual Arrested for Breaking and Entering in Boston
Boston College Women’s Basketball Hosts Pitt Panthers
Boston College Men’s Hoops Begins ACC Play Against Georgia Tech
High School Hoops Ignite Boston: Hull and Academy of the Pacific Rim Clash
Lopez and Funke Highlight Massachusetts High School Football Honors
University of Massachusetts Boston Establishes Center for Innovation
Kai Trump’s Debut at the LPGA Tour
Boston Globe Endorses Rev. Miniard Culpepper for City Council
Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Three Massachusetts High School Seniors
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
