Anna Leigh Waters: A Rising Star in Pickleball
At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has established herself as a formidable force in the world of pickleball, boasting undisputed dominance across all three divisions of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) — singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. This season marks her seventh on the professional circuit and her fourth consecutive year occupying the top position as the sport’s leading female player.
Impressive Achievements
Waters’ incredible success is underscored by an impressive 96% win rate over 578 career matches. Her dynamic playing style is a blend of exceptional hand-eye coordination, agile footwork, and an aggressive approach to points, often opting to strike with power rather than play passively until an opponent falters. She first picked up a pickleball paddle at the tender age of 10, guided by her mother Leigh, a former Division I tennis player. Just a year later, she began participating in tournaments alongside her mother, transitioning to professional matches at the age of 12 when Leigh made the bold decision to leave her legal career to support Anna Leigh’s burgeoning specialty.
Partnerships and Competitions
In terms of partnerships, Waters switched her women’s doubles partner this spring from Catherine Parenteau to Anna Bright, while retaining her long-standing mixed doubles collaboration with Ben Johns. This change showcases her adaptability and the chemistry she brings to the court.
Waters is currently based in Boynton Beach, Florida, where she continues to expand her presence in pickleball, competing not just in the PPA events but also in Major League Pickleball. Recently, her team, the New Jersey Fives, competed in an event in Daytona Beach.
Motivations and Aspirations
Outside of her tournament earnings, which reportedly exceeded $3 million in 2024, Waters is also backed by a roster of endorsements including notable brands like Carvana, a premier sponsor of the PPA Tour.
When asked about her motivation, Waters expressed a focus on personal growth rather than merely winning matches. “I think you have to think that way just to push yourself. I base a lot of my success on, ‘Am I learning new shots, am I getting better?’”
She emphasized her aspiration for the sport to be recognized at the Olympics. The increasing youth participation in pickleball over the years excites her, having noticed a surge in young players at recent tournaments compared to her early competitive days.
Personal Development and Future Plans
As Waters continues refining her skill set, she has been working on enhancing her forehand speed-up shot, a technique that her mother helped her master. Reporting on her physical progression as well, Waters acknowledges that her strength plays a significant role in her performance improvement since her early days in the sport.
Looking ahead, she states she does not foresee an end to her career anytime soon.
“I still love the sport and enjoy playing, so I’m definitely not at the burnout stage yet,” she remarked.
And although she hasn’t splurged excessively, she mentioned that Carvana gifted her a vehicle, alleviating the pressure of a personal purchase.
Reflections on Her Journey
On potential alternate paths, Anna Leigh reflects fondly on her time in tennis but recognizes that transitioning to pickleball served her better. She acknowledges the common perception of her talents possibly leading to a professional tennis career, but has no regrets about her chosen path in pickleball.
Conclusion
Behind her success, Anna Leigh Waters combines tremendous skill with a strong family foundation and an unwavering passion for pickleball, positioning her as not just a player but an influential figure in the sport’s future.
