Can A Woman Coach Football?

   By drodriguez  Apr 06, 2010
12

It's not every day we hear about a woman involved in a male dominated sport, especially as involved as Natalie Randolph.  The 29-year-old high school science teacher was recently named the head football coach for Washington D.C.'s Coolidge High School.  She is believed to be the nation's only woman who is head coach of a high school varsity football team.  Randolph has been getting a lot of support from the people around her, but there are still some who have a hard time handling a woman coaching football.

One thing that is clear though, no one can argue that she does not have the experience to get the job done.  A recent report from USA Today talks about how Randolph spent five years playing for the professional football league's D.C.'s Divas as a wide receiver.  On top of that, she worked as assistant coach for two years at a rival high school before she got the job at Coolidge. 

Some disparaging comments have been made in the press about Randolph coaching football.  An unnamed rival coach told the Washington Post, "All I know is, I don't want to be the first one to lose to her.  That's going to be wild."  Comments like this, even ones made in jest, just reaffirm the stereotypes of how women are inferior to men when it comes to sports and anyone should be especially ashamed to lose to one.

Keith Bulluck, 10-year NFL veteran, posted a comment to his Twitter account in response to Randolph being named a high school football coach.  Bulluck wrote, "not saying it can't be done or shouldn't be done.  Football is clearly a man's sport and it's to be seen how young men take to their coach being a woman."  Bulluck clearly doesn't have much faith in the notion of a woman sharing in "his" sport.

Thankfully, Randolph doesn't seem to let these comments bother her and takes a no nonsense approach to her job.  When speaking with the press she often says that this isn't about her and she prefers to focus her attention on the players that she is now coaching.  At a recent news conference Randolph said, "While I'm proud to be part of what this all means, being female has nothing to do with it.  I love football. I love football, I love teaching, I love these kids.  My being female has nothing to do with my support and respect for my players on the field and in the classroom."

What do you think of the idea of a woman coaching an all-male football team?

Do you think there is still a lot of work to be done to get women more involved in these types of sports?

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Comments
Supernovae by Supernovae | Berkeley, CA
Oct 05, 2010

Men can be gynecologists. Men can be annoying daytime talkshow hosts. Men can tell women what to do with their bodies (from anti-choice fanatics to plastic surgeons...) Why can't women coach football?

lorisann by lorisann | Marrero, LA
Aug 28, 2010

The problem with her detractors is that they think a female coach won't be "tough" or aggressive in a rough sport as football. However, as a Southerner where you bleed football in the fall, I can tell you some of the most ardent, aggressive and tough football supporters are women. It's all about a game plan and having your team see the vision and be passionate about the game. This kind of talk will only make her team better because they will have something to prove.

Ellayem by Ellayem | Cincinnati, OH
Jun 05, 2010

If she's a good coach, then by all means she should coach! Many women's sports have male coaches, so why not have a woman coach a male team?

Gin257 by Gin257 | LONG BEACH, NY
Jun 02, 2010

If she likes it and knows what she is doing, I don't see why a woman should not coach. Physically she may not be able to compete with some men on the field, but a coach is more about technique and planning. Great job for a woman in my opinion!

mommaduck by mommaduck | SAINT CHARLES, MO
May 20, 2010

I think its great, who says only men can coach football (of course men). I think more women need to step up and start coaching sports. if they can coach softball why cant they coach football. Some women know more about football than men. now i'm not speaking of myself i hate football. You go girl.

MyEmptyCanvas by MyEmptyCanvas | KOSCIUSKO, MS
Apr 30, 2010

Yes, women can coach football and any other sport. I guess the main thing is that the women have to be really interested in that. I know some, but very few, who are.

jenndta69 by jenndta69 | SHERMAN OAKS, CA
Apr 11, 2010

Last time I check women have been coaching baseball and basketball. Of course women can coach football. Heck, half of the male coaches don't know what they are doing and no one asks if they can coach. I have a question, can men give birth? Enough said, we can do more than men!

basilandcatnip by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX
Apr 07, 2010

If she's qualified and knows the game, let her go for it!

sassysami by sassysami | brunswick, OH
Apr 07, 2010

hell yes!!!!!!!! she can coach football , play football, or whatever! women can be just as strong as a man. and she can be a football coach if she wants too!!!!

msfriendly by msfriendly | MONROE, WI
Apr 06, 2010

SUre! Aren't we in the 21st century?!

Lusadi by Lusadi | Wasilla, AK
Apr 06, 2010

Why couldn't she coach football?

SiLvEr-StArS by SiLvEr-StArS | REVERE, MA
Apr 06, 2010

This reminds me of the Movie called Wild Cats LOL.If she loves and knows the sport play by play, then by all means Yes I think a female can coach a football team just has good or better then any other man coach out there. (((Women Power))) ; )