About Tall Socks Tennis
About Us
At Tall Socks Tennis, our mission is simple:
To create a positive learning environment that helps every person become a better athlete, a better player, and a better version of themselves.
We believe tennis is more than a sport. It’s a lifelong skill that builds confidence, character, and community. Whether you’re five or 75, just starting or playing competitively, you belong here.
We’re committed to running a program that reflects these values in every interaction:
Accountable / Accessible / Dedicated / Inclusive / Innovative
Meet Coach Taylor Dodd
Hi! I’m Taylor—founder and head coach at Tall Socks Tennis. I’ve been coaching since 2013 and am a PTR Level 1 and Level 2 Certified professional. Tennis has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played NCAA Division I tennis at USC Upstate and have coached players of all levels across Georgia and South Carolina.
🎾 Top 15 junior in Georgia
🏅 USTA Newcomer of the Year, 2022
💪 Legacy awards for leadership and strength at USC Upstate
🧑🏫 Coaching experience at Furman University, Cherokee Tennis Center, and Tennis For Life
I started TST because I saw the need for inclusive, thoughtful coaching that emphasizes both personal growth and technical excellence. Our goal is to make tennis more accessible, more fun, and more impactful for every player who steps on our courts.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Inside-out forehand
- 🌟 Favorite Players: Caroline Wozniacki & Rafael Nadal
- 👯♀️ Fun Fact: I have an identical twin who also plays tennis
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Coach Chris Palmer
Hi, I’m Chris Palmer, and I’ve been passionate about tennis for over 40 years. I played collegiately at Pacific Universityin Oregon and have spent the last 29 years as a teaching professional, working with juniors and adults of all ages and skill levels—both in the U.S. and internationally.
My career has taken me around the world, including 3.5 years teaching in Seoul, South Korea. No matter where I am, my focus remains the same: helping players build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and enjoy the lifelong game of tennis.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Inside-out forehand
- 🌟 Favorite Players: Caroline Wozniacki & Rafael Nadal
- 👯♀️ Fun Fact: I have an identical twin who also plays tennis
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Coach Hannah Hyers
Hi, I’m Hannah Hyers! I grew up in Marietta, Georgia, rising through the junior ranks to become a 4-star recruit and one of the top players in Georgia and the Southern region. I went on to compete at the Division I level for UNC Asheville.
During college, I earned 2nd Team All-Big South (Singles) and was a two-time 1st Team All-Big South selection in Doubles. After graduating, I coached in New Jersey before returning to Georgia in 2021. I’m thrilled to now be part of Tall Socks Tennis.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Inside-out forehand
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Emma Navarro
- 👶 Fun Fact: I’m a mom to the sweetest (and wildest!) 1-year-old
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “Success is born from consistency, not perfection.”
Coach Rachel Griggs
Hi, I’m Rachel Griggs! I picked up a racquet at age 4 and trained with Brandt Tennis Academy until high school, where I also began coaching. I coached with them for four years, through my sophomore year of college. Nothing recharges me more than being out on the courts.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Flat serve
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Coco Gauff
- ✈️ Fun Fact: I’ve never been on a plane
- 🍮 Favorite Food: Crème brûlée
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “Be the reason others believe in good people.”
Coach Rahul Peddu
Hi, I’m Rahul Peddu!
I grew up playing USTA tournaments and varsity high school tennis, and I currently compete with the University of Georgia Club Tennis Team. I’ve also coached juniors competing in USTA tournaments.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Forehand Passing Shot
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Kei Nishikori
- 🍼 Fun Fact: I’ve been playing tennis since I was eight years old
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “If you do what you love, you will never work a single day.”
Coach Layla Peacock
Hi, I’m Layla Peacock! I’ve been playing tennis for 13 years and trained at Tall Socks Tennis growing up. I played line 1 singles at Winder-Barrow High School, where I was Team Captain for two years.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Flat Serve
- 🌟 Favorite Players: Rafael Nadal
- 🥕 Fun Fact: I’m the only redhead in my family
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
Marley
Coach Rebie Benedict
Hi, I’m Rebie Benedict. I compete with the UGA Club Tennis Team and previously coached at UTA’s Blackburn Academy in Atlanta and in Charleston, SC. I’m thrilled to now be part of the Tall Socks Tennis family.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Forehand Volley
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Madison Keys
- 👨👦 Fun Fact: I’m named after my grandmother, who was also named after her grandmother!
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “The big lesson in life is never be scared of anyone or anything.” – Frank Sinatra
Coach Jessie Stephan
Hi, I’m Jessie Stephan! I grew up playing in Texas, competing nationally and for my high school team, advancing to the State Tournament two years in a row and serving as Team Captain. I now play for the UGA Club Tennis Team and coach at Tall Socks Tennis.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Backhand
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Gaël Monfils
- 🤠 Fun Fact: I used to compete in rodeos!
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
Coach Brinley Bartlett
Hi, I’m Brinley Bartlett! I’m originally from Oconee, Georgia, and I’ve been playing tennis for over 14 years. Coaching has become a true passion over the past 2.5 years. I’m currently a sophomore at Kennesaw State University.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Flat serve
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Coco Gauff
- ✈️ Fun Fact: I’ve never been on a plane
- 🍮 Favorite Food: Crème brûlée
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “Be the reason others believe in good people.”
Coach Luke Dodd
Hi, I’m Luke Dodd, and I’ve been involved in the game of tennis since I was around 5 or 6 years old. I spent over a decade taking lessons and developing my skills through junior tournaments, team play, and four years of varsity tennis in high school.
I’ve now been coaching with Tall Socks Tennis for about a year and a half, and I love helping players grow their confidence, technique, and love for the game.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Overhead
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Andy Murray
- 🚴 Fun Fact: I raced BMX nationally for 10 years
- 🍣 Favorite Food: Sushi
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
Coach Julia Clemente
Hi, my name is Julia Clemente and I’m from Augusta, GA! I’ve been playing tennis since I was 2 years old and started competing in junior tournaments at 9. From an early age, I developed a strong passion for the game and went on to become a top-ranked player in Georgia and the Southern section through USTA. I’m now a junior at the University of Georgia, where I play on the UGA Club Tennis team. I love coaching at Tall Socks and my goal is to bring positivity, energy, and fun to every practice!
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Inside-out Forehand
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Coco Gauff
- 🇯🇵 Fun Fact: I spent a month in Japan this summer!
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “The important thing is to learn a lesson every time you lose.” – John McEnroe
What's with the Tall Socks?🧦
Coach Taylor grew up playing competitive tennis, always wearing her signature Nike tall socks. As an identical twin, the socks served a practical purpose too — they were an easy way for people to tell her apart from her sister, despite one was left-handed and the other right-handed.
One summer, Coach Taylor and her twin worked as tennis instructors at a camp hosted by Furman University. The campers constantly mixed them up — until they noticed one key difference: Coach Taylor’s tall socks. From then on, she was known around camp as “Tall Socks Taylor.”
Six years later, when it came time to name her tennis company, the choice was clear. She embraced the nickname that had once helped set her apart and founded Tall Socks Tennis — a tennis program that celebrates individuality, style, and a lifelong love of the game.
Ready to play your socks off?
Join a program that fits your schedule and skill level—and have fun doing it.