How One Coach Built a Team Culture That Lasts

His career began in the classroom as an elementary school teacher before he moved to teach at Heritage High School in Leesburg, 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.