Boston University’s Women’s Soccer Team Faces New Sexual Harassment Allegations
Boston University’s women’s soccer program is embroiled in serious controversy following recent allegations of sexual harassment directed at former assistant coach Casey Brown. This comes on the heels of claims made by Alex Cooper, host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, featured in a recent Hulu documentary. Cooper alleges that she faced sexual harassment from former head coach Nancy Feldman during her time at the university.
New Allegations from a Student-Athlete
Shayla Brown, a senior midfielder on the soccer team, reported her concerns to a confidential ethics hotline on September 14, 2024. Following this, she engaged in discussions about her experiences with the team’s sports psychologist. According to reports from The Boston Globe, Shayla expressed that Brown’s behaviors were concerning and inappropriate, specifically fixating on one of the team’s key players.
“This was not a case of a coach coddling a prized player,” Shayla stated, adding that her teammate was essentially being "groomed."
Collective Action
The day after Shayla’s report, she joined 17 fellow teammates in bringing their concerns to the university’s Equal Opportunity Office. Several players informed officials about various instances where inappropriate behavior, including unsettling messages and unwanted attention, had occurred. One unidentified teammate noted how she struggled with the unsolicited interactions from the former assistant coach.
Impact on Coaching Staff
Casey Brown, who took over head coaching duties from Feldman in 2022, resigned in December 2024 after the university initiated an investigation based on these complaints. The allegations against the coaching staff have raised serious concerns among students and the broader community.
Previous Allegations by Alex Cooper
Cooper’s experiences, shared in the documentary titled "Call Her Alex," highlighted her harrowing three-year ordeal of escalating harassment by Feldman. She expressed her anger towards the coach and the educational institution for allowing such behavior to persist.
“I felt a lot of anger — anger at my coach, anger at my school, and anger at the system that allowed this to happen,” Cooper shared.
Cooper, who played for BU’s women’s soccer team from 2013 to 2015, described how the harassment turned her passion for the sport into a source of pain.
Boston University’s Response
In light of these serious claims, Boston University has reiterated its commitment to a “zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.” The university aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all its athletes.
Conclusion
The allegations against Casey Brown and previously against Nancy Feldman have cast a shadow over the BU women’s soccer program. With current and former players breaking their silence, there is hope that these discussions will foster a safer and more supportive environment for current and future athletes.
Related Links
These recent developments serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of addressing and combating harassment in all areas, particularly in sports settings where trust and mentorship should prevail.
