Breaking the Silence: Alex Cooper Speaks Out on Abuse in College Sports
A coach is someone a team looks up to for guidance, who fosters a safe environment for all athletes and helps athletes develop in their respected sport. They are entrusted to hold a position of power and lead in the best interest of both the team and the individual athletes. This responsibility not only lies in the hands of a coach but extends to all staff working closely with athletes.
A little over a week ago, Alex Cooper, host of “Call Her Daddy,” spoke out about the sexual misconduct she faced during her time on Boston University’s women's soccer team from 2013-2015. During her collegiate career, Alex said she faced multiple instances of sexual harassment from head coach Nancy Feldman.
Alex Cooper at the premier of her documentary, “Call Her Alex” (insta: @alexandracooper)
Alex alleged that Nancy would make inappropriate comments about her body, ask personal questions about her relationships and sex life, and hold Alex’s choices over her head. She was caught in a manipulative game, and if she didn’t comply, it would cost her playing time. When opening up in her documentary, Alex shared how she felt uncomfortable, belittled, and powerless around Nancy.
She not only experienced trauma that stripped her of her identity and confidence but also lost the opportunity to finish out her soccer career. When Alex and her parents confronted the administration about the abuse, they told Alex she could keep her scholarship, but they wouldn’t fire Nancy.
"There was no accountability, no investigation, and no justice,” Alex said.
Alex is not the only one to have experienced harassment at the collegiate level. A study found about 1 in 5 college athletes have reported abusive behavior from their coaches. There is a systemic history of abuse in college sports, and it is a cycle that continues because institutions keep brushing it under the rug.
From coaches and staff to team doctors, this negligence has harmed multiple student-athletes.
1998 was the first time that a student-athlete reported concerns regarding Larry Nassar to trainers and coaches. Michigan State did not fire him until 2016. 18 years later. In those 18 years, more people came forward, Michigan State had cleared Nassar of any wrongdoings, and the abuse continued.
Larry Nassar in court (Getty)
A similar situation recently came to light about Dr. Richard Strauss, a former sports medicine physician at The Ohio State University. Hundreds of male students were sexually abused under his care, making Ohio State the fourth college involved in high-profile athletic scandals related to sexual abuse.
Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse has lifelong implications for those who experience it. The abuse can lead to various negative physical, mental, and emotional outcomes for athletes down the road. Releasing a statement that the university has a “zero-tolerance policy” and does not condone this behavior is not enough. Institutions need to take accountability and listen to their student-athletes the moment they have the courage to speak up.
Athletes should never feel afraid to be around their coaches and staff. They shouldn’t dread going to practices or games because it means they will have to be in the presence of an abuser. Most importantly, no one should have something they are passionate about be tainted by the selfish acts of others or have to deal with the consequences of abused power.
Going forward, universities need to take more responsibility and prioritize the care of student-athletes.
"I have so much more work to do,” Alex said. “I’m going to use my platform to hopefully inspire other people to come forward and tell their stories, because conversation is the only way that we’re going to actually have change and we’re going to make change.”