Anna Leigh Waters
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Gender
Female
Age
18
Location
Boynton Beach, Florida
Plays
Right-handed
Latest from Anna
Anna’s Profile
Anna Leigh Waters grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, before moving to Clinton, North Carolina, at the age of eight. In 2015, her family relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, where she was an active soccer player. Her introduction to pickleball came during a visit to her grandparents in Allentown in 2017.
At just 10 years old, she participated in her first tournament and secured a gold medal in Women’s Doubles. By 2019, at age 12, she turned professional, becoming the youngest player in the sport’s history. Her mother, Leigh Waters, a former NCAA Division I tennis player, has been both her coach and occasional doubles partner, making them the only mother-daughter duo in professional pickleball.
Their partnership has been instrumental in Anna Leigh’s rapid ascent in the sport. Anna Leigh’s journey to the professional level was marked by rapid progression and significant milestones. In 2022, she and her mother participated in the first nationally televised pickleball match on CBS Sports at the Skechers Invitational Summer Championship in Los Angeles.
Her aggressive playing style, characterized by strength and speed, has set her apart from competitors. She has also engaged in exhibition matches with notable athletes, including swimmer Michael Phelps, actor Jamie Foxx, and golfer Scottie Scheffler, showcasing her versatility and appeal across various sports. As of November 2025, Anna Leigh continues to dominate the pickleball scene.
She has achieved a 96. 5% win rate in 2025, with a 100% win rate in singles. Her aggressive and fast-paced playing style, influenced by her tennis background, has redefined strategies in the sport.
Off the court, she has been recognized for her contributions to pickleball, including being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2023. Her appearance at the ESPY Awards in July 2025 marked a significant milestone, highlighting the sport’s growing prominence.
Popular Video
Top Strategy Tips
Focus on aggressive play to dictate the pace of the game.
Utilize powerful drives to put pressure on opponents.
Maintain a fast-paced style to keep opponents on the defensive.
🏆 Career Highlights
Gold medal at 2023 Takeya Showcase
PPA Grand Slam winner 2024
Triple crown at 2022 USA Pickleball National Championships