Anna Leigh Waters has taken the pickleball world by storm, earning the title of the No. 1 ranked player in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at just 18 years old. Her meteoric rise from a chance encounter with the sport during a hurricane evacuation to becoming the youngest professional pickleball player in history is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for her aggressive playing style, lucrative endorsements, and relatable personality, Anna Leigh is the face of pickleball’s new era.
This comprehensive article explores her career, personal details, financial success, equipment, and lasting impact, packed with the latest information to celebrate the phenomenon that is Anna Leigh Waters, the pickleball star.
Early Life and Introduction to Pickleball
Born on January 26, 2007, in Delray Beach, Florida, Anna Leigh Waters grew up in a sports-oriented family. Her mother, Leigh Waters, a former NCAA Division I tennis player at the University of South Carolina, and her father, a collegiate athlete, nurtured her competitive spirit. Before pickleball, Anna Leigh excelled in soccer and tennis, with dreams of a professional soccer career.
Her pickleball journey began unexpectedly in 2017 during Hurricane Irma, which forced her family to evacuate to her grandparents’ home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. There, her grandfather introduced her and her mother to pickleball. Initially skeptical, 10-year-old Anna Leigh quickly embraced the sport, leveraging her tennis skills to dominate the court. This serendipitous moment marked the start of her remarkable career.
Anna Leigh Waters Age and Background
As of April 21, 2025, Anna Leigh Waters is 18 years old, having been born on January 26, 2007. Her youth is a defining aspect of her story, as she achieved professional status at age 12, becoming the youngest pro pickleball player ever. Despite her young age, Anna Leigh’s maturity on and off the court has earned her respect from peers and fans alike. Homeschooled since third grade by her grandmother, she graduated high school early in May 2024, balancing academics with her demanding professional schedule.
Anna Leigh Waters Height and Physical Attributes
Anna Leigh Waters stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, a height that complements her dynamic playing style. Her athletic build, honed through years of soccer, tennis, and now pickleball, allows her to move swiftly across the court and deliver powerful shots. Her height gives her an advantage in serving and reaching high volleys, contributing to her aggressive, tennis-inspired approach. Combined with her quick reflexes and endurance, Anna Leigh’s physical attributes make her a formidable opponent.
Rapid Rise to Professional Stardom
Anna Leigh’s ascent in pickleball was swift and unprecedented. In November 2017, at age 10, she won her first tournament, the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic, taking home gold in Women’s Doubles with 29-year-old Stacie Townsend. By 2018, she earned a silver medal in a professional doubles event in Texas at age 11, filling in for her mother’s absent partner.
In 2019, at just 12 years old, she turned professional, setting a record as the youngest pro in pickleball history. That year, she and her mother defeated the world’s No. 1 team, Simone Jardim and Corrine Carr, at the Florida Grand Slam, cementing her status as a prodigy. Since then, Anna Leigh has dominated the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), amassing an unrivaled record.
Key Milestones in Anna Leigh Waters’ Career
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Won first tournament gold at age 10 (Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic). |
| 2018 | Earned silver in pro doubles at age 11 in Texas tournament. |
| 2019 | Became youngest professional pickleball player at 12 defeated world No. 1 team. |
| 2021 | Won doubles national championship at the Orlando Cup. |
| 2023 | Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 list; won record number of Triple Crowns. |
| 2024 | Earned over $3 million, highest-paid pickleball player; won MLP Mid-Season Championship with New Jersey 5s. |
| 2025 | Ranked No. 1 in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles; won 30 Triple Crowns. |
Dominance on the PPA Tour and MLP
Anna Leigh Waters is a powerhouse on the PPA Tour, where she has secured an astonishing 30 Triple Crowns, winning women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles at the same event. Her 2024 season was nearly flawless, with only a few losses across all competitions. In the MLP, she led the New Jersey 5s to the Mid-Season Championship and a No. 1 regular-season finish in 2024.
In November 2024, she defended her title at the Pickleball World Championships in Dallas and went 10-0 at an MLP showcase event in Central Park. Her ability to “pickle” opponents, winning 11-0 has become legendary, as highlighted in an NPR interview where she described pickling an opponent during the 2024 World Championships.
Current Partners and Playing Style
Anna Leigh’s aggressive, power-driven style has redefined women’s pickleball. Moving away from the traditional finesse-based dinking, she and her mother introduced a tennis-inspired approach with hard-hitting groundstrokes and rapid point-scoring, now widely emulated.
- Women’s Doubles Partners: Anna Leigh teams up with Anna Bright or Catherine Parenteau, with her mother, Leigh, as her coach and manager.
- Mixed Doubles Partner: She frequently partners with Ben Johns, the top-ranked male player, forming an unbeatable duo.
- Signature Techniques:
- Powerful Serves: Precision and spin set up offensive plays.
- Third Shot Drop: Mastered with spin and anticipation to control the kitchen.
- Fast Hands: Quick reflexes for rapid volleys and defensive counters.
Anna Leigh Waters Paddle: Her Signature Gear
Anna Leigh Waters uses the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C paddle, a custom-designed piece of equipment tailored to her aggressive playing style. As a Paddletek ambassador since her early career, she re-signed with the brand in 2023 and collaborated on her signature paddle line, the Anna Leigh Waters Bantam ALW-C. This paddle is known for its blend of power, spin, and flexibility, ideal for her fast-paced, hard-hitting game.
Paddle Specifications
- Material: Polymer core with a textured fiberglass face for enhanced spin.
- Weight: 8.4 ounces, offering a balance of power and control.
- Grip Size: Medium grip, suited for her quick wrist movements.
- Design: Features Anna Leigh’s signature logo and vibrant colors, reflecting her personality.
Her paddle choice has become a favorite among fans and aspiring players, with Paddletek reporting increased sales due to her endorsement. Anna Leigh’s hands-on role in testing and refining the paddle underscores her commitment to excellence.
Anna Leigh Waters Net Worth
Anna Leigh Waters’ net worth is estimated at over $3 million as of 2024, making her the highest-paid pickleball player, male or female, according to her agent, Kelly Wolf at Octagon. Her earnings come from tournament winnings, sponsorships, and appearance fees, with endorsements playing a significant role in her financial success.
Major Sponsorships
- Fila: Since 2022, Anna Leigh has been a flagship ambassador for Fila’s pickleball line, designing and testing apparel and shoes. She competes exclusively in Fila gear.
- Paddletek: Her signature Bantam ALW-C paddle and long-term partnership drive significant revenue.
- Other Brands: Includes a water company, jewelry business, and fitness brands, promoted via her social media platforms (@AnnaLeighWaters on X).
Her marketability has elevated pickleball’s visibility, drawing comparisons to young tennis stars like Serena Williams. Fila’s Lauren Mallon praised her as “the face of the sport” for her accessibility and appeal.
Anna Leigh Waters Personal Life
Despite her global fame, Anna Leigh remains grounded. She graduated from high school early in May 2024, even taking her English final during the Vizzy Atlanta Open after winning her 102nd title. Choosing to prioritize her career over immediate college plans, she remains open to future academic pursuits.
Off the court, she enjoys cooking, fashion, and shopping, showcasing her vibrant personality. Her private life remains low-key, with no public details about romantic relationships, likely due to her focus on pickleball. Her close bond with her mother, Leigh, who doubles as her coach and manager, is central to her success, their intuitive dynamic driving her competitive edge.
Fun Facts About Anna Leigh Waters
- Forbes Recognition: Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023 for her sports impact.
- Celebrity Connections: Has played with Michael Phelps, Jamie Foxx, Sugar Ray Leonard, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth.
- Community Engagement: Visited Gerald Ford Elementary School in 2024 to teach pickleball to fifth-graders.
- Signature Gear: Wears prescription glasses on the court for style and function.
Impact on Pickleball’s Growth
With 13.6 million players in the U.S., pickleball’s growth owes much to Anna Leigh Waters. Her youth and dynamic style have attracted younger players, reshaping the sport’s image as a competitive pursuit. She advocates for better broadcast production, like improved camera angles, to highlight pickleball’s speed and strategy, believing recreational growth will boost viewership.
Her influence extends beyond competition. Through fan engagement, brand collaborations, and inspiring new players, Anna Leigh is a cultural ambassador for pickleball, proving that dedication can lead to extraordinary success at any age.
The Future of Anna Leigh Waters
At 18, Anna Leigh is a first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate, with over 100 titles, 30 Triple Crowns, and record-breaking earnings in 2024. As of April 2025, she has competed in 42 professional tournaments and 553 pro matches, maintaining her No. 1 ranking. Her partnerships with Ben Johns and Catherine Parenteau keep her at the top, while her endorsements amplify her influence.
Looking forward, Anna Leigh plans to focus on pickleball, with potential future exploration of education or other interests. Her agent’s strategic sponsorship approach hints at bigger deals, positioning her as one of the highest-earning young athletes across sports.
Why Anna Leigh Waters Is the Pickleball Star to Watch
Anna Leigh Waters embodies the qualities of a true champion talent, drive, and relatability. From a hurricane evacuation to global stardom, her journey showcases resilience and passion. Whether pickling opponents, designing paddles, or inspiring kids, her impact is profound. As pickleball grows, Anna Leigh remains its brightest star, shaping its future.
For updates on Anna Leigh Waters, follow her on X (@AnnaLeighWaters) or visit the PPA Tour and MLP websites. Her story is ongoing, and the pickleball world awaits her next chapter.
FAQs
How old is Anna Leigh Waters?
Anna Leigh Waters is 17 years old as of 2023. She was born on April 10, 2006, in Boca Raton, Florida.
Who is Anna Leigh Waters’s mother?
Anna Leigh Waters’s mother is Leigh Waters, who is also her pickleball coach and partner. They are the first mother-daughter duo to win a pro title in pickleball history.
What is Anna Leigh Waters’s ranking?
Anna Leigh Waters is ranked as the number one female player in the world by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) as of December 2022.
What is Anna Leigh Waters’s net worth?
Anna Leigh Waters has an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2023. She earns most of her income from her pickleball career, which includes prize money, sponsorships, endorsements, and coaching.
What is Anna Leigh Waters’s paddle?
Anna Leigh Waters uses the Selkirk AMPED Invikta Anna Leigh Waters Edition paddle, which is a midweight paddle with a large sweet spot, a long handle, and a fiberglass face. The paddle also features her signature and logo, as well as a pink and purple color scheme.
