The Legacy of Nancy Feldman at Boston University: From Coaching Excellence to Controversial Allegations
Nancy Feldman's career at Boston University (BU) is a complex narrative of success, dedication, and recent controversy. After serving as the head coach of the women's soccer program since its inception as a varsity sport in 1995, Feldman retired in 2022. Her departure has been marked by both tributes to her achievements and serious allegations of misconduct, creating a challenging situation for the university and its athletic department.
A Pioneering Career
Feldman's impact on BU women's soccer is undeniable. During her tenure, she led the Terriers to impressive heights, securing 13 conference tournament trophies, 14 regular season titles, and 14 appearances in national tournaments. Her commitment to the program was evident, and she strived for consistent success. One particularly memorable game, even in defeat, was against 19th-ranked LSU in the NCAA tournament in 2018, where the Terriers battled for 120 minutes before losing on penalty kicks. For Feldman, the performance and process were always paramount.
Beyond wins and losses, Feldman emphasized the personal development of her players. She hoped that through challenges, they would grow, learn about themselves, and become stronger, more empowered, and better prepared for life. This holistic approach to coaching earned her respect and admiration from many.
Feldman's contributions to soccer extended beyond BU. She served as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America Committee national chairperson from 1989 to 1995 and was on the NCAA Division III Regional Selection Committee from 1992 to 1995. She also received numerous accolades, including the United Soccer Coaches' Excellence in Coaching Education award, Long-Term Service Award, and Women's Soccer Award of Excellence.
Her commitment to the sport and her players was widely recognized, and her retirement was met with both gratitude and a sense of loss. As Drew Marrochello, BU's director of athletics, noted, Feldman was not only a valuable colleague but also a friend and mentor to many.
Read also: Gridiron Showdown: Missouri vs. Boston College
Allegations of Sexual Harassment
The celebratory atmosphere surrounding Feldman's retirement was disrupted by serious allegations made by Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast "Call Her Daddy." In her Hulu docuseries, "Call Her Alex," Cooper accused Feldman of sexual harassment during her time as a player at BU from 2013 to 2015.
Cooper alleged that Feldman "fixated" on her, inquired about her dating life, made comments about her body, and sought to be alone with her. She claimed that Feldman once put her hand on her thigh and questioned her about her sex life. Cooper described these interactions as a "psychotic game" where her playing time was contingent on sharing details of her personal life. She also recounted instances of Feldman singling her out during practice film sessions, focusing on her appearance and body.
Cooper said she felt unable to come forward at the time due to her full-tuition scholarship. After sharing the allegations with her parents, they contacted lawyers but were advised that a case could be lengthy. Despite a meeting with BU athletics officials, Cooper claimed that no action was taken.
Cooper's allegations have sparked a wave of reactions, including a strong defense from many of Feldman's former players.
Support from Alumnae
In response to Cooper's allegations, 99 alumnae of the BU women's soccer team, spanning graduates from 1996 to 2022, signed a letter expressing their support for Feldman. The letter stated that they "categorically never felt unsafe" during Feldman's time leading the program and "were never at risk of or witness to inappropriate behavior or anything that could be characterized as sexual harassment." They emphasized Feldman's professionalism and dedication to the team's success. The letter added that Feldman has "remained an important part of our lives, and we shall stand by her."
Read also: ACC Showdown: Virginia Tech Battles Boston College
The alumnae who signed the letter aimed to share their collective perspective, emphasizing that their experiences differed significantly from Cooper's allegations. One alumna, Ashley Dreyer, explained that the letter was a response to the pain Feldman was experiencing and a way to give back to someone who had given so much to them.
Another alumna, Emily Beyer, stated that she chose to play soccer at BU because she respected Feldman and her professional approach to the team. She acknowledged that playing for a Division I program comes with pressure and responsibility, and that the experience can be difficult at times.
The support from alumnae highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of personal experiences within a team environment. While many remember Feldman positively, Cooper's allegations present a different perspective.
University Response and Further Allegations
Following the release of Cooper's docuseries, Boston University stated that it has a "zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment" and a "robust system of resources, support, and staff dedicated to student wellbeing and a thorough reporting process through our Equal Opportunity Office." The university encouraged members of its community to report any concerns and reiterated its commitment to fostering a safe and secure campus environment.
However, the controversy surrounding Feldman has also led to scrutiny of the university's handling of other allegations within the athletics department. The Boston Globe reported on allegations against Casey Brown, who played and served as an assistant coach under Feldman before becoming head coach in 2022. After "concerns were raised" about Brown in the fall of 2024, BU hired an external investigator who found no evidence of sexual harassment or BU policy violations. Nevertheless, BU and Brown parted ways.
Read also: History of the BU Bridge
The Globe's reporting included allegations from an unnamed soccer player who claimed that Brown consistently favored and inappropriately focused on her, including making "moaning sounds" during recorded narration over a video of the player competing. Other teammates compared the treatment to "being groomed."
Both Cooper and the unnamed player criticized BU's response to their allegations. In light of these issues, BU announced that it would hire an external law group to review its athletics department's policies, processes, and other practices. This review is designed to evaluate the university's prevention efforts, resources for support and care, and processes for follow-up when athletes bring complaints.
Legal Perspectives
The allegations against Feldman have also drawn attention from legal experts. Jenny Rossman, Lead Trial Attorney at Herman Law, published an op-ed in The Boston Globe cautioning against dismissing Cooper's allegations based solely on the positive experiences of other alumnae. Rossman emphasized that positive experiences do not negate the harm Cooper alleges she experienced.
Rossman's perspective underscores the importance of taking all allegations seriously and conducting thorough investigations to determine the facts.
tags: #boston #university #nancy #feldman #law
