Call Her Daddy: Episode Summary – "My College Soccer Trauma"

Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "My College Soccer Trauma," released on June 10, 2025, Alex Cooper, the host of the widely acclaimed podcast Call Her Daddy, delves deep into a personal and harrowing experience that has long remained in the shadows. This episode marks a significant departure from her usual content, focusing instead on her journey of overcoming trauma and advocating for systemic change.

Releasing "Call Her Alex" Documentary

Alex begins the episode by announcing the release of her documentary, Call Her Alex, on Hulu. This milestone is both a proud and emotional moment for her:

“I cannot believe I'm finally getting to say that I'm feeling extremely proud and emotional.” [00:10]

She acknowledges the mixed emotions surrounding this release, highlighting the nervousness and fear associated with unveiling a story she has kept private for over a decade.

Unveiling the Hidden Trauma

For the first time, Alex opens up about the traumatic sexual harassment she endured from her college soccer coach during her time at Boston University. She reflects on the difficulty of sharing such a personal story:

“It took me a decade to tell this story, and I'll be honest, even saying the words to you right now, I was sexually harassed by my college soccer coach.” [00:45]

Alex emphasizes the complexity of discussing her experiences, touching on feelings of unease, embarrassment, and the struggle to find the right words to convey her pain.

The Making of the Documentary

Originally intended to capture the lively behind-the-scenes moments of her live podcast tour, the documentary's direction shifted dramatically after her opening tour stop in Boston:

“I had told the director that I wasn't sure I wanted to get into what happened to me in college. In this documentary, I figured let's keep it light, let's keep it fun.” [02:15]

However, revisiting her alma mater and stepping onto Nickerson Field was a catalyst for Alex, bringing her suppressed emotions to the surface and compelling her to confront her past.

Confronting the Past

The moment Alex returns to Boston University is transformative. The overwhelming emotions she experiences lead her to an emotional breakdown:

“The minute I stepped on that field, I felt so small. Money, power, status, followers, years of therapy. None of it mattered. I felt like I was 18 years old again, completely powerless, with no voice.” [03:30]

This powerful realization underscores the long-term impact of the trauma she endured and the persistence of such abuse in institutional settings.

Fear and Empowerment

Alex candidly discusses the internal conflict she faced in deciding whether to share her story. She grapples with the fear of retaliation, concern that her experiences might be dismissed, and the shame associated with her abuser being a woman:

“I kept going back and forth, back and forth to tell the world would happen, to not talk about it. What do I do?” [05:00]

Despite these fears, a pivotal moment during the documentary's filming — discovering that other women had faced similar harassment — reinforces her decision to speak out. This collective realization highlights the systemic nature of such abuse:

“I discovered that the abuse and trauma I had been subjected to at Boston University was still actively happening on that campus in 2025, a decade after I left.” [06:20]

A Call to Action

Recognizing the broader implications of her story, Alex emphasizes the importance of using her platform to empower other women:

“If a woman in my position who has power and a platform is still fearful, is still scared of speaking out about my own lived experience of sexual harassment, how the hell will any other woman feel safe and confident to come forward?” [07:45]

Her message is clear: sharing her experience is not just a personal healing process but a necessary step towards societal change.

Building a Supportive Community

Alex extends a heartfelt thank you to her listeners, the "Daddy Gang," acknowledging their unwavering support as instrumental in her healing journey:

“I wouldn't be able to heal and grow and be sitting on this fucking couch and release this type of documentary if I didn't have you. Literally, I wouldn't be here without all of you.” [09:30]

She invites her audience to watch the documentary and continues to foster a sense of mutual support and community.

Conclusion

"My College Soccer Trauma" is a deeply personal and courageous episode where Alex Cooper confronts her past, sheds light on ongoing systemic issues, and reinforces the power of community support. By sharing her story, Alex not only paves the way for her own healing but also empowers countless others to speak up and seek justice. The episode serves as a testament to resilience, the importance of addressing trauma, and the enduring strength of the Call Her Daddy community.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Trauma Disclosure: Alex Cooper opens up about the decade-long struggle with sexual harassment from her college soccer coach.

• Documentary Impact: The release of Call Her Alex serves as a platform for her to share her story and highlights ongoing issues of abuse in educational institutions.

• Empowerment and Advocacy: Alex emphasizes the role of her platform in empowering others and advocating for systemic change.

• Community Support: The unwavering support from her listeners, the "Daddy Gang," plays a crucial role in her healing process.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I was sexually harassed by my college soccer coach.” [00:45]
• “The minute I stepped on that field, I felt so small.” [03:30]
• “If a woman in my position who has power and a platform is still fearful... how the hell will any other woman feel safe and confident to come forward?” [07:45]
• “I wouldn't be here without all of you.” [09:30]

Final Thoughts

This episode is a compelling exploration of personal trauma, the challenges of speaking out, and the responsibility of those with platforms to advocate for broader change. Alex Cooper's vulnerability and strength provide listeners with both inspiration and a call to action, reinforcing Call Her Daddy's role as a significant voice in contemporary conversations about women's empowerment and societal issues.