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 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
Chris Palmer
Hi, I’m Chris Palmer, and I’ve been passionate about tennis for over 40 years. I played collegiately at Pacific University in Forest Grove, 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 a 3.5-year stretch teaching tennis 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
Robby Merrill
Hi, I’m Robby Merrill, and I was born and raised in Roswell, Georgia. I’m a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and went on to complete my Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA).
My tennis journey began at a young age and took me across the Southeastern United States, competing in USTA tournaments from 2012 to 2020. I played line 1 singles all four years of high school and was ranked in the top 15 in Georgia for my graduating class in 2020.
I’ve spent the past six years as a tennis instructor at the MJCCA Summer Camps in Atlanta, and for the last couple of years, I’ve proudly coached at Tall Socks Tennis. I love spending time on the court, helping players improve their game—and making sure we have fun along the way.
FUN FACTS:
- 🎾 Favorite Shot: Backhand approach down the line
- 🌟 Favorite Player: Andrey Rublev
- 🌍 Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to four continents
- 💬 Quote I Live By: “Life is a Highway”
Hannah Hyers
Hi, I’m Hannah Hyers! I grew up in Marietta, Georgia, where I developed a love for tennis early on and rose through the junior ranks to become one of the top players in Georgia and the Southern region. As a 4-star recruit, I went on to compete at the Division I level for UNC Asheville.
During my collegiate career, I earned 2nd Team All-Big South honors in singles and was a two-time 1st Team All-Big South selection in doubles. After graduating with a degree in Sociology, I began my coaching journey in New Jersey, focusing primarily on private and hitting lessons.
In 2021, I moved back to Georgia and have been coaching part-time ever since. I’m thrilled to now be a part of the Tall Socks Tennis team and bring my experience and energy to the court!
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.”
Brinley Bartlett
Hi, I’m Brinley Bartlett! I’m originally from Oconee County, and I’ve been playing tennis for over 14 years. Coaching has become a true passion of mine over the past 2.5 years, and I love helping players of all ages develop their skills and grow their confidence on the court.
Before joining the Tall Socks Tennis team, I coached with Tennis for Life for a year. I’m currently a sophomore at Kennesaw State University, where I’m continuing both my academic and tennis journey. Whether it’s guiding a new player through their first rally or refining technique with more experienced athletes, I strive to bring positivity and energy to every lesson.
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.”
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.”
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.