Longtime Placer tennis coach Isaac releases book

For decades, Tom Isaac built Placer High School's boys and girls tennis programs into one of the most successful in Northern California, piling up section championships, league titles and an astonishing 140-match unbeaten streak in co-ed play. Now that he has turned over the program to his daughter, the longtime coach is reflecting on those years in a new book titled "Coach Tom, Nothing More, Nothing Less: Changing players lives one at a time." The book is filled with stories of grit, perseverance and unlikely triumphs from Isaac's life and his path to becoming one of the most successful prep sports coaches in state history. "This has been a long time in the making," said Isaac. "Now that my daughter has taken over, I wanted to share with my wife, her and some of our players some of the special things that happened while we were in our heyday here." The book highlights milestones from Isaac's childhood and athletic career, including his tennis origins. He also highlights some of his athletes who have defied expectations and overcome hurdles athletically and personally. Isaac said the book came naturally since he had so many noteworthy stories throughout his illustrious career. He had so many memories of players defying the odds that it was hard to cut things down for the book. "Most coaches hope for one story like that in a career," Isaac said. "I've had hundreds." Stories from former players include a section champion who went on to become the youngest principal in Ohio, and a player's mother who turned personal tragedy into a mission of supporting Placer tennis with equipment and financial aid for those in need. Isaac's story is one of unlikely beginnings. Growing up poor in Ohio, he lived with his family of six in what he calls "a tiny house before tiny houses were popular." His parents worked long hours to help keep the family afloat. Despite a childhood marked by injuries that left him with disfigured hands, Isaac became an all-state athlete and carried with him a relentless work ethic that became the foundation of his coaching philosophy. That underdog mentality Isaac developed defined his teams. Without access to country clubs or private lessons, Placer's players often started with little experience, just like Isaac. Isaac insisted on discipline and accountability from day one, teaching kids to be coachable before teaching them to hit forehands. "I always thought it was funny when coaches would tell me that they've got 10 kids that have never played before and that's why they're so bad because we have 15 kids that have never played before," said Isaac. "I tell people that if my players are not any good then it's my fault, because those kids do everything I tell them to do." Isaac has always believed the most important thing in an athlete is potential and that anyone can become great if they are willing to put in the work. Though tennis is Isaac's expertise, his book aims for a broader audience. He hopes athletes, coaches and everyday readers alike will see parallels between the challenges of sport and life. Said Isaac, "I hope somebody picks this book up and looks at it and thinks, 'This guy did it through tennis, but it can be done in all areas of your life.' " Isaac's book is available on Amazon.