Melissa Berouty is a dedicated civil rights attorney that concentrates in employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower retaliation cases. As a former Division I athlete and collegiate coach, she brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining legal expertise with lived experience. Melissa is passionate about empowering survivors, holding institutions accountable, and creating safer spaces both in athletics and the workplace.
In her 2025 Hulu docuseries Call Her Alex, Alex Cooper, host of the hit podcast Call Her Daddy, bravely spoke out about the sexual harassment she endured as a Division I student-athlete at Boston University. Alex Cooper alleges that in 2014, she was sexually harassed by then–head women’s soccer coach Nancy Feldman, citing invasive comments about her body, unwanted physical contact, and psychological pressure that forced her into silence out of fear of losing her full-tuition scholarship.
By publicly holding Boston University accountable, Alex Cooper has inspired countless survivors of sexual harassment in sports and beyond to share their stories. As both a former Division I athlete and coach, I remember the intense fear and scrutiny that came with speaking out. At times, the pressure to stay silent or be a “team player” felt heavier than the physical demands of the sport itself. In college athletics, you are not just part of a team but a system where power imbalances often leave student-athletes vulnerable and voiceless. Sadly, this abuse of power does not always end at graduation. It can and often does follow survivors into the workplace, where similar toxic environments continue to thrive.
Sexual Harassment in College Athletics: An Overlooked Epidemic
In the world of collegiate sports, coaches are gatekeepers. They control your scholarship, playing time, letters of recommendation, and often, what feels like your entire future. When that power is abused, whether through unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, or coercive behavior, student-athletes can feel completely trapped.
In Alex Cooper’s case, despite federal protections like Title IX, she was told explicitly to keep quiet for “the good of the team.” This culture of silence enables sexual harassment and sexual assault to persist in locker rooms and training facilities across the country.
From the Locker Room to the Boardroom: When Harassment Follows You Into the Workplace
Unfortunately, retirement from your respective sport does not always mean leaving the harassment behind. In the workplace, the dynamics shift but the abuse of power remains. Now it is the employer or supervisor who holds control over your promotions, project assignments, and job security. While the harassment may take a different form (suggestive messages, inappropriate jokes, lingering stares, or veiled threats), the effect is the same.
Whether in a corporate office, hospital, factory floor, or courtroom, countless professionals continue to face sexual harassment in the workplace and remain silent because of the fear retaliation or career derailment.
The Common Thread: A Culture of Complicity
What links the student-athlete and the working professional is not just the harassment, but the systemic culture that enables it. Sexual misconduct, whether in schools or the workplace, thrives in environments where survivors are silenced, abusers are protected, and institutions prioritize reputation over accountability.
This is why survivors’ voices, like Alex Cooper’s, and potentially yours, are so important. Speaking out not only disrupts the cycle of abuse but empowers others to do the same.
Taking Action: Know Your Legal Rights
As a Student-Athlete:
Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, any school or university that receives federal funding is legally required to investigate reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and gender-based discrimination.
- You have the right to report harassment to your school’s Title IX Coordinator.
- You are entitled to supportive measures, such as academic accommodations and no-contact orders.
- You can file a formal complaint and pursue a Title IX investigation.
- You can also seek guidance from a Title IX attorney who specializes in protecting student rights.
You are not alone, and your safety matters more than any scoreboard. Legal advocates, counselors, and survivor-led organizations are available to support you every step of the way.
As an Employee:
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for employers to engage in or allow sexual harassment, including unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate or sexually charged comments, and quid pro quo harassment (“If you do this, I’ll promote you”).
- You can report the harassment to your Human Resources department.
- You can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- You can consult with a workplace discrimination lawyer to explore legal remedies.
Building a paper trail, documenting incidents, finding trusted allies, and knowing your rights are essential to protecting yourself and seeking justice.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can make a critical difference. If you are ready to take the next step or simply need someone to talk to, contact the author, Melissa Berouty, for a confidential consultation. Your story matters and so does your right to be safe, heard, and protected.