A petite, unassuming young science teacher made history this week when she became what’s believed to be the only female high school head football coach in the country.
Natalie Randolph is no lightweight when it comes to football.
She was a wide receiver for D.C. Divas and she’s been an assistant high school coach. But now, she’s calling the shots as the nation’s only female head football coach.
“We needed to find the best leader, role model, coordinator and instructor for our young men,” said Coolidge High School Principal Thelma Jarrett.
“Being female has nothing to do with it. I love football. I love football! I love teaching. I love these kids,” Randolph said.
Her science students know that on the field and off, Randolph is all about discipline. Do they walk into class unprepared?
“Not at all. You do that, you might as well forget about it,” said football player and student Oluwafemi Bamiro.
As a coach, Randolph says she’s focused on much more than just touchdowns.
“I want them to be complete student athletes, so that when they go on, when they go to the next level, they can face everything that comes at them,” she said. “It’s all about them. I mean, I wouldn’t have done this if it weren’t for them. They needed a coach, and you know, I’m gonna give them what they need.”
Ironically, her fiance, Thomas Byrd, coaches at a rival school. They will face off in October.
Who’s he rooting for?
“May the better person win that day, and hopefully I’ll get to come home that night!” Byrd said.