Nancy Feldman is a name that, for nearly three decades, was synonymous with winning on the Charles River. If you followed college sports in New England, you knew the deal. She wasn't just a coach; she was the architect of the entire Boston University women’s soccer program.
She started it from scratch in 1995. Before her, it was just a club team. By the time she stepped down in 2022, she had amassed 326 victories at BU and over 400 career wins total. That's legendary status. But recently, the conversation around Nancy Feldman Boston University has shifted from box scores to headlines that are much harder to digest.
The Architect of a Powerhouse
To understand why people are so torn, you have to look at the numbers first. They're staggering. Feldman led the Terriers to 14 NCAA tournament appearances. She snagged 13 conference tournament titles. For a long time, the Patriot League basically ran through Nickerson Field.
She was named Conference Coach of the Year 12 times. Think about that. That is consistency that most coaches only dream of. Players like Anna Heilferty and Kylie Strom went on to the NWSL. The program wasn't just a local success; it was a national factory for talent.
Feldman was known for an "all-in" style. She was intense. She was demanding. For many, that was the magic sauce. "Nancy has always been a mentor, role model, and friend," said Casey Brown, a former player who actually took over the head coaching job after Feldman retired. That’s the version of the story many people want to hold onto.
The Alex Cooper Allegations
The narrative took a sharp turn in June 2025. Alex Cooper, the powerhouse behind the Call Her Daddy podcast and a former BU soccer player (2013–2015), released a docuseries called Call Her Alex. In it, she dropped a bombshell.
Cooper accused Feldman of sexual harassment.
She described a "psychotic game" where the coach would allegedly fixate on her, asking invasive questions about her sex life and dating history. Cooper claimed Feldman would put a hand on her thigh and make her feel deeply uncomfortable during private meetings or car rides to class.
It wasn't just about the coach, though. Cooper took aim at the university itself. She alleged that her parents provided written documentation of these interactions to the athletic department a decade ago, but nothing happened. She felt ignored. She felt like her career was stolen from her.
A Divided Alumni Base
When these allegations hit, the response wasn't a universal condemnation. It was a civil war of sorts. Honestly, it's been messy.
Within days, a letter started circulating. Ninety-nine former players and staff members signed it. They stood by Feldman. They claimed they never saw or experienced anything that looked like harassment. They spoke of professionalism and leadership.
But then other voices emerged.
Sophia Woodland, another former Terrier, told People magazine that while she didn't experience sexual harassment, she felt "psychologically abused." She talked about intense scrutiny over her body and weight, claiming Feldman told her she needed to gain 30 to 40 pounds to be successful.
So you have two realities existing at the same time:
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- The Mentor: A coach who built careers, stayed in touch for weddings, and fostered a "family" atmosphere.
- The Gatekeeper: A coach accused of using her power to manipulate, intimidate, or harass young athletes.
The Fallout and What it Means for BU
Boston University has maintained they have a "zero-tolerance policy." But for many, the damage is done. The legacy of Nancy Feldman Boston University is now inextricably linked to this debate over "old school" coaching versus modern player safety.
Feldman retired in 2022 on her own terms, citing a desire to step away while she could still give "100 percent." She hasn't been back on the sidelines since.
What’s the takeaway? It’s a reminder that even the most "successful" programs can have shadows. If you're a student-athlete or a parent today, the landscape has changed. Documentation matters. Reporting matters. Power dynamics in college sports are being scrutinized like never before.
Actionable Insights for Athletes and Parents
- Know the Title IX Office: Every university has one. If a coach's "intensity" crosses into personal territory (sex life, body shaming, physical touch), that is the formal place to go, not just the athletic director.
- Keep a Paper Trail: If something feels off, write it down immediately. Save emails. Text yourself the date and what happened.
- Understand the Culture: Look at the "coaching tree." If a coach has a long history, talk to alumni who didn't start every game. Their perspective is often more telling than the stars.
- Trust Your Gut: Performance on the field never justifies feeling unsafe off it. If a "mentor" makes you feel like you're losing your identity, it’s not a mentorship—it’s a problem.