Second BU Soccer Alum Speaks Out After Being ‘Triggered’ by Alex Cooper’s Allegations of Abuse (Exclusive)

Another BU Soccer Alum Alleges ‘Abuse’ from Coach After Being ‘Triggered’ (Exclusive)

Sophia Woodland, a former player on the Boston University (BU) women’s soccer team, has come forward to share her experience under the coaching of Nancy Feldman, following allegations of abuse from fellow alum Alex Cooper. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Woodland revealed the psychological abuse, manipulation, and intimidation she claims to have faced during her time on the team from 2019 to 2022.

Woodland described her experience as “horrible” and highlighted the discrepancy between Feldman’s public persona and her coaching style, which Woodland found to be manipulative and abusive. She alleged that her body was a focal point of Feldman’s scrutiny, with constant pressure to change her physical appearance to fit a certain mold of success on the team, leading to feelings of discomfort and humiliation.

The former player recounted instances where Feldman would allegedly comment on her body, pushing for weight gain and comparing her to other teammates. Woodland stated that she felt isolated and struggled to speak up about her experiences, finding some solace in conversations with her parents and team members during sessions with the university psychologist in the wake of a teammate’s tragic death by suicide.

Following a 27-year coaching tenure, Feldman retired in April, with Casey Brown taking over. Woodland’s decision to speak out was influenced by watching Alex Cooper’s documentary, where Cooper publicly accused Feldman of sexual harassment. Woodland shared that watching the documentary was triggering for her, as it resonated with the constant scrutiny and focus on her body that she had experienced under Feldman’s coaching.

In response to the allegations, Boston University reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and emphasized its commitment to providing resources and support for student well-being. The university conducted an investigation into similar claims against former coach Brown, ultimately parting ways with her despite finding no evidence of policy violations.

Woodland’s bravery in sharing her story aims to empower others to speak out against abuse and manipulation in college athletics, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for student-athletes. By shedding light on her own struggles, she hopes to spark conversations and encourage a culture of accountability within sports institutions.

The impact of Woodland’s revelations, alongside Cooper’s allegations, underscores the importance of addressing toxic coaching practices and advocating for the well-being of student-athletes. As more voices like Woodland’s come forward, there is a growing momentum towards creating a more transparent and respectful landscape in collegiate sports, where athletes can thrive without fear of abuse or manipulation.

Woodland’s advocacy for change serves as a reminder that no one should endure mistreatment in pursuit of their athletic goals. Her courage in speaking out against injustice sets a precedent for accountability and reform within college sports programs, urging institutions to prioritise the welfare and dignity of their student-athletes above all else.