Retired Elon coach's book now in second printing

A beloved retired Elon tennis coach wants to get his recently published book on tennis into the hands of as many high school varsity athletes and junior enthusiasts as possible, and his efforts are already making an impact for young players across parts of North Carolina.

“The Little Green Book of Tennis” by Tom Parham shares winning techniques espoused by legendary American tennis coaches including the late Jim Leighton of Wake Forest University and Jim Verdieck of Redlands University in California.

Through word-of-mouth sales and aggressive marketing, Parham’s book will have been provided to varsity tennis players, in every high school, in 20 North Carolina counties, according to the author. He encourages supporters and those who enjoy tennis to consider purchasing books as gifts for local high schools.

“Corporate, individual, ‘naming’ or honoring special people and towns have led the way,” Parham said in a recent update about book sales. 

Parham recently spoke with Chuck Kriese, senior director of competition at the Junior Tennis Champions Center and the director of the Total Tennis Training Camps, for an online podcast at Kriese’s website, “Chuck Kriese’s American Tennis Radio.” That interview will be posted online in the days ahead. 

Published this summer and now in its second printing, the book was inspired by the 1992 bestselling book “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book” from one of golf’s most prolific players and coaches. Parham wants his latest work to do for tennis what Penick’s book accomplished for golf.

While at Elon, Parham held the titles of associate professor in health and physical education (1985-2004), assistant director of athletics (1986-1991), associate director of athletics (1991-99) and director of tennis operations (1999-2004).

Parham also served as an athletic director at Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1979 and today resides with his wife, Margaret, in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

“The Little Green Book of Tennis” is Parham’s second book. He published a memoir, “Play is Where Life Is,” in 2008.

For more information on the book, including ways to order it in print or for e-readers, visithttps://tomparham.wordpress.com/ or email Parham at ethomasparham@gmail.com.