(Thumbnail Image: The Washington Post)

Natalie Randolph is only the second woman in the U.S. to be named head coach of a men’s high school football team. Her appointment has met with mixed reviews. Some call it a step for women’s equality while others say her gender will be an issue for the team. 

We’re looking at perspectives from CNN, Fox News, the Washington Post, MSNBC and Deadspin. 

Randolph said in a press conference she doesn’t feel gender has anything to do with coaching. She tells CNN she isn’t thinking about the historic aspect or gender pressure.

“I am staying focused. I’m staying focused on the kids, you know, history is great, but I put a lot of pressure on myself. So, I really want to do well, I want the kids to do well, I want to do well for them. So, I'm trying to stay focused on that.”

Some find it hard to overlook that Randolph is a woman. Fox News anchor Greg Gutfeld takes a rather sexist look at her background. 

“The 29-year-old science teacher had a 5-year stint as a wide receiver for the D.C. Divas, which is some sort of professional chic football team, sadly not nude, and a 2-year gig as assistant coach at a neighboring school. Some of these resume builders negates that fact that she’s not a man. A point that was not lost on one rival coach who tells the Washington Post quote, ‘All I know is I don’t want to be the first one to lose to her, that’s going to be wild.’”

Backlash to the decision has also been popping up all over the Internet. One Washington Post writer responds to a comment that said:

“‘This is a brutal physical sport that rips the testosterone from guys and puts it on display. There is no place here for an estrogen injection.’…I wonder if this person has ever seen childbirth up close.”

MSNBC asks Randolph’s players how they reacted to their new coach. Most are supportive and believe she’ll be tough enough to handle the job. 

“When the Coolidge Colts first learned their new coach was a woman:”

“We still sense like a fear in my heart that she was ehh.”

“But her science students knew on the field and off Randolph is all about discipline. So you don’t walk into her class unprepared?”

“Not at all, you do that and you might as well forget about it.”

While some people fear the school has made a mistake, Deadspin says people shouldn't be shocked Randolph got the job. Her qualifications make her a perfect candidate. 

"It's a noteworthy career path because that's exactly how a man has to do it. This is no publicity stunt...Randolph's got experience playing and coaching, so no one can dismiss her hiring."

In 1985 another woman achieved a head coach position in the D.C. area.  She was coach for a day—the other coaches said they couldn’t play against a woman.

So, do you think Randolph can keep up with the men, or is this a mistake for the team?

Writer: Amanda Heisey

Producer: Newsy Staff