Alex Cooper’s journey: Unveiling the truth behind her struggles
In the realm of modern media, few figures have captured the public’s attention quite like Alex Cooper. Best known for her podcast, Call Her Daddy, Cooper has become a symbol of female empowerment and candid storytelling. However, beneath the surface of her success lies a painful chapter that she is now bravely sharing with the world. The two-part docuseries, Call Her Alex, set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and later stream on Hulu, delves into Cooper’s life, including her tumultuous experiences as a collegiate athlete.
The dark side of collegiate sports
Cooper’s journey takes a harrowing turn as she recounts her time on the Boston University soccer team. Her mother, Laurie, expresses her initial excitement about Cooper joining a Division-1 program, particularly due to the presence of a female head coach, Nancy Feldman. However, this enthusiasm quickly dissipated as Cooper alleges that she became a victim of sexual harassment at the hands of Feldman, who retired in 2022 after a long tenure as the head coach of the women’s soccer program.
In the documentary, Cooper articulates her feelings of anger and betrayal, not only towards her coach but also towards the institution that failed to protect her. “I felt a lot of anger—anger at my coach, anger at my school, and anger at the system that allowed this to happen,” she reflects. This sentiment resonates deeply, highlighting the often-overlooked issues of harassment within collegiate sports.
Unpacking the allegations
As Cooper navigated her college experience, she began to notice a troubling shift in her coach’s behavior. What initially seemed like encouragement soon morphed into an uncomfortable fixation. Cooper recalls, “I started to notice her really starting to fixate on me way more than any other teammate of mine.” This fixation included inappropriate comments about her appearance and unwanted physical attention, leaving Cooper feeling vulnerable and pressured to comply.
Cooper’s narrative sheds light on the complexities of power dynamics in sports, particularly how athletes can feel trapped by their circumstances. “I was attending BU on a full-tuition scholarship. If I didn’t follow this woman’s rules, I was gone,” she states, illustrating the difficult choices athletes often face when confronted with harassment.
The aftermath and the fight for justice
Despite her family’s efforts to seek justice, including consulting lawyers who confirmed the harassment, Cooper faced significant obstacles. The university’s response was dismissive, prioritizing the coach’s legacy over the well-being of its athletes. “They said, ‘We’re not gonna fire her, but you can keep your entire scholarship and that’s that,’” Cooper recalls, emphasizing the lack of accountability within the institution.
Ultimately, Cooper chose not to play her senior year, a decision that underscores the profound impact of her experiences. As she reflects on her time at Boston University, she acknowledges the fear and hopelessness that plagued her during that period. “When I look back at that time in my life, I was scared, hopeless,” she admits. Yet, this painful chapter has fueled her determination to create a platform where voices like hers can be heard.
Empowerment through storytelling
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, Cooper launched Call Her Daddy, a brand that has become synonymous with female sexual agency and empowerment. Her willingness to share her story not only serves as a cathartic release but also as a beacon of hope for others who have faced similar struggles. Cooper’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling in effecting change.
As she revisits her past in the documentary, Cooper embodies the strength of someone who has transformed pain into purpose. “I was so determined to find a way where no one could ever silence me again,” she asserts, inspiring countless individuals to reclaim their narratives and advocate for themselves.
