“Estrogen is pretty strong, too.” A New Day in Coaching

Natalie Randolph, Coach of the Calvin Coolidge High School Colts

Coach Natalie Randolph

Natalie Randolph takes over as high school coach at Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, DC. She has answered question after question about whether her gender would limit her ability to teach young men on the field. (What if they drilled every teacher like this? But I digress.) I was determined to listen to all sides before I rendered any opinion. Then, in the interview where they were asking about all the testosterone, she confidently chimed in, “estrogen is pretty strong.” It’s that simple! She IS strong – and caring, and smart, and a woman.

We’re not kidding ourselves here. Football is tough. It’s gritty, dirty and quite frankly I would not want to be the coach – even if had the Y-chromosome.  It’s just not my cup of coffee. I love it from the sidelines. But for those who opt to pore over playbooks and get their shoes muddy, I say more power to you my sisters.

Growing up as a girl in the U.S., we are told in every preschool class through college curriculum: women can have it all! Now we’re told, “Sure – women can rule the world. They just can’t rule the football field.” DC sports talk has run rampant with hyper-discussion about what this move means for the team. Now the conversation is spreading throughout the nation. Listening to the young men, it’s no problem. They already know and trust her. And remember, they grew up in a world with women doctors, lawyers and heads of household. Some of this may seem far less unfamiliar to them than to those in my generation and above.

I had to think carefully about this topic as I tend to lean toward the old-fashioned conservative side – if you know me, you know that. And frankly, I put myself in the position of the moms on the sidelines and wondered if I’d want my son under such scrutiny. My question was never whether or not Ms. Randolph “could” lead the team or understand complicated schemes. Yes, she can have the opportunity to prove her ability like any other football loving-willing to forego any semblance of a social life-coach out there. But I thought about the constant cameras. Then I thought about recruiting time and college choices- it just kept going.  That’s what we moms do often – we worry forward. Then I listened to Coach Randolph and she reminded me just how strong we are. And with that, I made up my mind.

If you understand the game, know the game, love the game, AND you are going to treat my child like he’s your own? Girl, take the clipboard! Sideline Pass will follow the Colts this year and report back. COACH Randolph, you’ve got a lot of football loving ladies here to support you.

Interview Links:

Natalie Randolph on CNN

Natalie Randolph on CBS