[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING COACH NATALIE RANDOLPH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2011

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask the House of Representatives 
to join me in recognizing Coach Natalie Randolph, the first female boys 
varsity head football coach at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in 
Washington, DC, where she also teaches.
  As we commemorate Women's History Month this year, I want to 
celebrate the coach for becoming the first permanent female boys 
varsity head football coach in the District of Columbia and the only 
current female boys varsity head football coach in the nation.
  Natalie Randolph, a native Washingtonian, is not only a football 
coach, she also is a superb athlete. Coach Randolph made her mark with 
the DC Divas of the Independent Women's Football League. After playing 
five seasons there, she became an assistant boys varsity football coach 
at H.D. Woodson Senior High School in the District for two seasons.
  In her youth, Natalie nurtured her athletic skills in track and field 
at Sidwell Friends School and later at the University of Virginia. Her 
love of football grew after her father first introduced her in high 
school to women football players.
  Natalie began her professional career as an educator, after receiving 
a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science and a Master's 
degree in Education from the University of Virginia. She first taught 
at H.D. Woodson and currently teaches Environmental Science and Biology 
at Calvin Coolidge.
  Calvin Coolidge's winning record of 6-4 in Coach Randolph's debut 
season vindicated the decision to make her head coach. At the same 
time, the new coach required mandatory study halls and SAT prep courses 
to improve the team's academic performance. Coach Randolph is committed 
to winning, both inside and outside the classroom.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring Natalie Randolph for her accomplishments as a teacher who 
encourages strong academic achievement, as a world-class athlete, and 
as the first permanent female boys varsity head football coach in the 
District of Columbia. May we wish Coach Randolph and the Calvin 
Coolidge Senior High School Colts the best on the upcoming season, both 
on and off the field.

                          ____________________