Anna Leigh Waters

Early Life and Introduction to Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters was born on January 26, 2007, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Her journey into the world of pickleball began quite unexpectedly. At the age of eight, her family relocated to Delray Beach, Florida. In 2017, during Hurricane Irma, they temporarily moved back to Allentown to stay with her grandparents. It was there that Anna Leigh and her mother, Leigh Waters, were introduced to pickleball, a sport that would soon change their lives.

Rising Star
Anna Leigh’s talent was evident from the start. She played in her first tournament in November 2017 at the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic, where she won a gold medal in Women’s Doubles at just ten years old1. By 2019, at the age of twelve, she became the youngest professional pickleball player in history.

Professional Career
Anna Leigh’s professional career took off rapidly. She is known for her aggressive playing style, characterized by strength and speed. She often partners with her mother, Leigh Waters, in doubles, making them the only mother-daughter team in professional pickleball1. Anna Leigh also plays mixed doubles with Ben Johns, one of the top players in the sport.

Achievements and Milestones
Anna Leigh has achieved numerous milestones in her career. As of October 2022, she was ranked No. 1 in the world for doubles, mixed doubles, and singles by the Professional Pickleball Association1. Some of her notable victories include:

2017: Gold medal in Women’s Doubles at the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic.
2021:
Doubles national championship at the Orlando Cup1.
Gold in singles at the Newport Beach Showcase, Orlando Cup, and Texas Open.
Gold in singles at the Margaritaville USA Pickleball Nationals Championship.
Bronze in singles at the U.S. Open1.
Silver in doubles and bronze in mixed doubles at the Acrytech Atlanta Open.
2022:
First nationally televised pickleball match on CBS Sports, defeating Lucy Kovalova and Callie Smith1.
2023:
Gold in mixed doubles at the PPA North Carolina Open with Jack Sock.
2024:
Achieved her 100th career gold medal at the North Carolina Cup2.
Gold in singles at the Mesa Arizona Cup3.
Complete Records
Anna Leigh Waters has an impressive record in professional pickleball, including:

Singles Titles: 36
Women’s Doubles Titles: 31
Mixed Doubles Titles: 33
Total Gold Medals: 1003
Triple Crowns: 24 (winning singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in the same event)3
Personal Life
Despite her busy schedule, Anna Leigh balances her professional career with being a normal teenager. She enjoys soccer, shopping, cooking, and fashion. Her positive attitude and passion for the sport are evident both on and off the court.

Future Aspirations
Anna Leigh Waters continues to inspire many with her dedication and achievements in pickleball. As she looks to the future, she aims to maintain her top rankings and further popularize the sport globally.