Tag: tennis in the mid-atlantic

Coach Larry Parpart with the 2022 Douglas S. Freeman High School girls tennis team, state champions.

How One Coach Built a Team Culture That Lasts

When you think about the word “legendary,” what comes to mind?

Maybe it is someone you have looked up to your entire life. Maybe it is a public figure whose work has shaped the world around you. Or maybe it is someone closer to home. Someone who quietly shows up year after year, shaping lives in ways that last far beyond the court, classroom or field.

For the Douglas S. Freeman High School tennis community in Richmond, Virginia, that legacy belongs to their own girls tennis coach, Larry Parpart.

In 2025, Parpart was recognized as the 2024-25 National Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association. It was an honor he did not even know he had been nominated for.

Parpart was first recognized by the Virginia High School League as Virginia Coach of the Year and later named District II Coach of the Year. But the recognition did not stop there.

“The next thing I know I got this email saying congratulations you have been selected [for the NFHS Coaches of the Year Award] and I didn’t tell anybody for a couple days, I didn’t know if it was real or not,” said Parpart.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Parpart grew up as a sports fanatic who loved just about every sport. He later attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he majored in physical education and decided to pursue teaching and coaching after college.

His career began in the classroom as an elementary school teacher before he moved to teach at Hermitage High School in Henrico, Virginia, where he also coached basketball, cross country, and track. During his time there, he led the cross-country team to a state championship victory.

Tennis, however, entered his coaching career in an unexpected way.

Parpart enjoyed playing tennis socially and loved watching the sport, but it was not something he originally pursued competitively. After coaching several sports for years, he took a year away from coaching. When he returned, it was tennis that reignited his passion.

“A good friend of mine wanted me to come to Douglas Freeman to help him with basketball, be his assistant, and help him with everything,” Parpart shared. The pieces fell into place and he joined the staff. Soon after, knowing his coaching history the administration approached him to coach more sports. “They said, ‘Look, we’ve got a lot of other coaching vacancies. Would you be willing to do something else?’ I coached cross country and track. They needed tennis and soccer so I said, ‘Well, tennis sounds good.’ At that time, the girls competed in the fall and the boys competed in the spring,” added Parpart.

“So I told the principal I would do it for one year. I tried for one year and I’m still doing it,” Parpart added with a laugh.

That was in 1978.

Nearly five decades later, Parpart’s impact on the sport and the students he has coached is undeniable.

No head coach in Virginia high school girls tennis history has more wins than Douglas S. Freeman High School coach Larry Parpart. He holds an all-time girls tennis coaching record of 576-156, the most wins in Virginia High School League history.

But for Parpart, success has never been defined by wins alone.

From the beginning, he built a culture centered around teamwork. While tennis is often viewed as an individual sport, Parpart has worked to ensure every player feels like an essential part of the team, regardless of skill level.

That mindset has created something lasting. Many of his former players still stay connected long after graduation, often referring to each other as former teammates rather than former classmates.

That team-first culture has also fueled recent success.

Since 2021, Parpart’s teams have won five straight region and state championships, tied for the second-longest streak in Virginia High School League history. 

And while winning has certainly been part of the program’s success, Parpart has always emphasized that education comes first. Last season, the Mavericks finished 20-2 on their way to a fifth consecutive state championship while also posting a team GPA of 4.1.

Recently retiring from teaching after decades in education, Parpart continues to coach and lead the girls tennis team at Douglas S. Freeman High School. Even after nearly 50 years, he is still looking for ways to grow as a coach.

Parpart has attended High School Coaches Workshops previously held at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, Md., in collaboration with USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation and has found online coaching resources helpful for gaining new ideas and continuing to learn.

Parpart feels fortunate to coach in Richmond, a city with a strong tennis community and many dedicated tennis professionals who help develop young players. With that support, he focuses on building team chemistry and strengthening doubles play.

Coaching for nearly 50 years is no small feat. For Parpart, the key to longevity in coaching comes down to creating an environment where every player feels valued and part of something bigger than themselves.

“Make it fun for the players. Everybody wants to win matches. Most come in wanting to win more than others. That is just part of life. But make it fun, make it a team atmosphere,” said Parpart.

“Demand the same for all the players whether they are the best player or someone who is still developing their game. Everybody has a role on the team. Make them feel important. If they feel important then they will work hard to get better and that creates a great atmosphere among each other. Everybody is working hard.”

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation  supports coaches and schools across the region by regularly hosting High School Coaches Workshops and Tennis in PE workshops. These opportunities help grow tennis throughout the Mid-Atlantic and introduce the sport to more school communities.

USTA also provides a variety of coaching resources for educators and coaches looking to develop their skills. Through USTA Coaching, coaches can access best-in-class education, coaching badges and certifications, webinars, and a wide range of coaching resources tailored to their needs.

While not all education content is available for free, the “Coaching High School Tennis” course is available with a free USTA Coaching membership.

For Parpart, coaching has always been about more than wins or championships. It is about creating an environment where players feel valued, work hard, and support one another.

Nearly 50 years after agreeing to coach tennis for just one season, Parpart’s legacy is still unfolding. It lives on in the players he has mentored, the teams he has built and the generations of young athletes who have stepped onto the court and learned what it truly means to be part of a team.

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

Boy preparing to hit a tennis serve.

Serving Up Familia: How One Family Found Joy and Community in Tennis

When the Ramirez family hits the tennis courts, it is more than a match. It is familia in motion. What started as a casual family pastime has evolved into a joyful way of life, reflecting how tennis is fostering connections within the Hispanic community across the Mid-Atlantic.

It began when Nathan, now 9, spotted a U.S. Open match on TV. He was just 3 but mesmerized by the movement and energy. Pointing to the screen in his then-toddler voice, he told his dad, Enrique, “That,” and asked if they could play tennis together. For Enrique, who grew up playing tennis and loved the quiet mental game of the sport, it was a special moment. He never imagined his young son would share that passion so early. Soon, the two were rallying in the driveway and finding a coach.

Not long after, Nathan’s younger sister Lily, now 8, joined in, inspired by her brother’s excitement. Their toddler sister, Olivia, 3, is already following in their footsteps in her own way, carrying tennis balls and trying to swing a racquet whenever she can. The family quickly discovered that tennis was not just an activity. It became a shared rhythm of weekends on the courts, lessons, and backyard practices that drew them closer together.

“Familia to me means unity, celebrating little milestones, and supporting each other through challenges,” said Nathan’s mom, Jenny Lopez-Ramirez. Jenny, who grew up in a family devoted to soccer, said tennis has introduced something new and powerful to their lives. “For me, it is about what I like to call breaking the stereotype,” she said. “I grew up in a family that was very big on soccer; we still have soccer in our bloodline. And so my husband grew up playing tennis, and when we brought tennis within our family and shared the sport with our children, it brought not just our immediate family together, but our extended family closer as well”.

For Nathan, tennis is as much about character as competition. “Tennis means emotions,” he said. “The happiness of winning, the anger of losing, and the challenge of trying again”. He said his goal is to be No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic. Even while rehabbing an ankle injury, he stays determined. “Keep practicing and reach your goal of trying to be good at tennis,” he said.

That same drive and excitement has inspired his younger sister to develop her own love for the game. Lily said what she likes best about tennis is playing matches, especially singles. When asked about her favorite pro, she answered quickly: “Coco Gauff.” She added that her favorite shot is her forehand and that she has already made seven new tennis friends.

Both Jenny and Enrique said they see how tennis builds resilience and leadership. “It is a sport that teaches self-motivation,” said Jennifer. “Win or lose, it is up to you, but you have your family cheering every step of the way”. Enrique added that tennis provides lessons that children can carry with them for life. “Go for it,” he said. “It can be a lifelong sport”.

The Ramirez story reflects a broader trend. According to the 2025 USTA Tennis Participation Report, 18% of tennis players in the U.S. identify as Hispanic or Latino, a figure that continues to climb. In the Mid-Atlantic, participation reached 1.5 million players in 2024, a 14% year-over-year increase and a record-high participation rate of 9.6%, which is above the national average. Programs such as USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Girls Rule the Court™ and tennis-in-PE initiatives in schools across the region are making it easier for students and families to discover and enjoy the sport.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Ramirez family offers a reminder that tennis is more than a game. It is a way to honor familia, celebrate culture, and create connections that last for generations.

Ready to create your own family tennis story?

Explore USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation youth programs that nurture young players, as well as adult opportunities that keep the whole family active. Visit our website to find programs for every age and skill level.

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

John Isner and Sam Querrey hosting the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala

Former ATP Stars and Co-Hosts of “Nothing Major” Show Sam Querrey and John Isner to Host USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala on December 6 in Washington D.C.

John Isner and Sam Querrey hosting the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala

Exclusive Fantasy Clinic with Querrey and Isner to Follow Gala on December 7 at Westwood Country Club

Tickets Available Now at TennisCreatesGala.com 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 7, 2025) – Former ATP stars and tennis podcast personalities Sam Querrey and John Isner will co-host the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala on Friday, December 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. The following day, a small group of fans will have the extraordinary opportunity to hit the court and learn firsthand from Querrey and Isner, two of the game’s most celebrated pros, during the exclusive, first-ever USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Fantasy Clinic at the acclaimed Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Va.

Querrey and Isner, both former top-20 ATP players and co-hosts of the popular podcast Nothing Major alongside fellow pros Steve Johnson and Jack Sock, will bring their humor, insider stories, and passion for the game to the Gala stage. The following day, Querrey and Isner will provide personal coaching, technique tips, and strategy insights at the Fantasy Clinic. Attendees can also enjoy pre-clinic photo opportunities, a Q&A session, and a light lunch with fellow tennis enthusiasts. Spectator tickets are available for those who wish to watch and participate in the Q&A without playing. Gala ticket holders will receive a special discount to participate in the clinic.

“Sam and John are both incredible athletes and hilarious podcast hosts, making them the perfect choice to host this year’s Tennis Creates Gala,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “Their personalities, careers, and commitment to giving back to the tennis community reflect the spirit and mission of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation.”

Chaired by Andrew and Michele Brammer, the Gala will feature fine dining, entertainment, live and silent auctions with exclusive experiences, and the presentation of the Tennis Creates Awards. Honorees include Stacey Allaster, the first woman to serve as US Open Tournament Director, who will receive the Tennis Creates Impact Award for her global contributions to equity and leadership in tennis; and Hall of Famer Ray Benton, who will receive the Tennis Creates Visionary Award for decades of transformational leadership in player development and program growth.

All proceeds from the Gala and Fantasy Clinic benefit USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission to champion tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic.  Through programs like Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation is ensuring that every person, regardless of background or zip code, can experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.

For more information, Tennis Creates Gala and Fantasy Clinic tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit TennisCreatesGala.com.  Tickets for the Fantasy Clinic go on sale Friday, October 10 at 12 p.m. ET.

About Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey, a former ATP Top 20 player, reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2017 and was a key member of the U.S. Davis Cup team. He is also co-host of Nothing Major, sharing stories and insights from his career with fellow pros Steve Johnson, Jack Sock, and John Isner.

About John Isner
John Isner, former World No. 8, is best known for his record-breaking matches at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Beyond his professional career, Isner co-hosts Nothing Major, bringing fans behind the scenes of professional tennis with humor and camaraderie.

About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to promoting tennis and its lifelong benefits. By fostering community, character, and well-being, the Foundation ensures tennis is accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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Media Contacts:
Katrina Younce 

Publicist, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

katrina@kyprinc.com 

T: 310-995-3619

Ray Benton receiving the Visionary Award at the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala.

Join Us on Saturday, December 6 to Honor Visionary Leader Ray Benton

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is proud to announce Ray Benton as the recipient of the 2025 Tennis Creates Visionary Award.

As one of the most successful and influential executives in the tennis industry, Ray’s career has spanned decades of growing the sport of tennis as an agent, promoter, and, most impactfully, as the first Executive Director of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, which grew from four to 50 chapters during his tenure from 1971-77. Most recently, he has served as CEO of the Junior Tennis Champions Center since 2008, where his leadership has produced ATP and WTA professionals, more than 200 college scholarship athletes, and multiple USTA national honors for excellence in player development, programming, and facilities.

Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C., for our Tennis Creates Gala as we celebrate Ray and the power of tennis to create community, character, and well-being.

About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. The organization fosters community, character, and well-being through the sport, ensuring access and opportunities for all.

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Creating Joy and Confidence One Player at a Time

As part of Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is proud to shine a light on the people who make a difference both on and off the court. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, and their dedication helps create a community where tennis is accessible, inclusive and inspiring for all.

This is the story of Narguess, a passionate tennis player and volunteer who is using the sport to build confidence, spark joy and strengthen communities across the Mid-Atlantic.

Narguess first got involved with USTA Mid-Atlantic in 2023 as a volunteer for Kids’ Day at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. She remembers the experience as energetic, exciting and deeply inspiring.

“It was incredible seeing so many young players excited about the game and being part of a professional tournament atmosphere,” she said. “There is something so powerful about watching that spark happen in real time.”

That spark is exactly what keeps Narguess coming back. Since her first experience, she has become a regular volunteer at several USTA Mid-Atlantic events, including Girls Rule the Court™ and the Tennis Creates Gala.

“I have always been passionate about both tennis and community service,” she said. “So volunteering with these programs was a natural fit. It is rewarding to share the game I love while also giving back and creating positive experiences for others through tennis.”

Whether helping young girls build confidence on the court, supporting large-scale youth events, or celebrating the impact of tennis at the Foundation’s gala, Narguess sees each opportunity as a chance to connect, uplift and grow alongside others.

Each program brings something different to the table. Girls Rule the Court empowers young girls and builds leadership. Kids Day events bring joyful energy and introduce tennis to children in fun, accessible ways. And the Tennis Creates Gala gives supporters and volunteers a space to reflect and celebrate the work they are doing together.

“At the Gala, I was especially moved by hearing firsthand stories of how tennis has changed people’s lives,” she said. “It reminded me why I choose to give back. Tennis really is a tool for personal growth and community transformation.”

For Narguess, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing the excitement and pride on the faces of young players as they improve and believe in themselves.

“Whether it is a child hitting their first successful shot or a girl realizing her potential, those are the moments that stick with me,” she said. “They are growing in confidence and learning how capable they are.”

Volunteering has also shaped Narguess’s connection to the USTA Mid-Atlantic community. It has helped her meet like-minded people, build relationships and find a deeper purpose through the sport.

“Tennis is more than just a game,” she said. “It teaches discipline, resilience and teamwork. Being able to help others access that same experience means everything to me.”

When asked what advice she would give someone thinking about volunteering, her response is heartfelt and simple.

“Some of the most meaningful experiences do not cost anything,” she said. “Giving your time without expecting anything in return often leads to the most rewarding and fulfilling moments. Just show up. You never know the impact you can have.”

There’s a place for you here. Find a volunteer opportunity that fits your passion on our Volunteer Hub.

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.