Holding Court

Elise Parisi, Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach, DIII Devils

A woman wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses looks on at a student-athlete.

Head Coach Elise Parisi on the court with her student-athletes.

“Before college, I’d never considered becoming a tennis coach,” says Elise Parisi, the new Devils head men’s and women’s tennis coach. But during Parisi’s first year at Drew University, her head coach asked for help with a tennis summer program. Through that experience, “I found that I really enjoyed helping students learn the sport.”

A four-year standout on the Drew women’s tennis team, Parisi helped lead the Rangers to three Landmark Conference championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Her success on the court is matched by her dedication in bringing the game to youth, high school and club-level programs.

“I decided to focus on tennis and coaching as much as I could,” she says. “I coached Golda Och Academy’s girls’ varsity tennis team during college, which provided me with an amazing experience.”

A woman swinging a tennis racket at a tennis ball wearing a pink and white tennis dress, sunglasses and a baseball cap.

Parisi during her playing days at Drew University.

Loving her experience as a student-athlete and now having the opportunity to guide others as a coach feels incredibly rewarding for Parisi.

Currently the youngest head coach in Devils athletics and one of the youngest in the NCAA, she hopes to institute positive team expectations, build a foundation of community service and create a culture that supports student-athletes well into their post-graduation life.

“I want to help my athletes be the best they can be, both in tennis and in life — to serve as a good role model from my position as their coach and to be someone that they can come to for help when they need it,” she says.