Anna Leigh Waters: The 18-Year-Old Pickleball Pro Dominating All Divisions

South Daytona, Florida, USA - Anna Leigh Waters is making waves in the world of pickleball, and at just 18 years old, she’s already a force to be reckoned with. Currently ranked No. 1 in every division of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)—singles, doubles, and mixed doubles—Anna’s journey through the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Waters has now entered her seventh full season as a professional player, capturing the attention of fans and aspiring players alike.

Born on January 26, 2007, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Anna moved to Clinton, North Carolina, at age eight. She later relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, in 2015, where she honed her skills on the court. Her athletic prowess seems to run in the family; she learned the game from her grandparents and her mother, Leigh Waters, a former NCAA Division I tennis player who now serves as her coach. This familial bond has made her training unique and intense, allowing Anna to thrive in the competitive landscape of professional pickleball.

Unstoppable Achievements

Waters has won an impressive 96% of her 578 PPA matches, and she’s not slowing down. In fact, she has amassed a staggering 148 gold medals in her short career. In April, Anna and her mother successfully defended their title at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championship. These accomplishments show that there’s no sign of burnout in sight for this young athlete, who started competing in serious tournaments as early as 11. Her innovative style of play—characterized by strength and speed—has caught the eyes of many in the sport.

Switching partners this season, Anna plays doubles with Anna Bright while teaming up with top male player Ben Johns for mixed doubles. These strategic alliances in doubles showcase not just her skill but also her keen sense of adapting to the evolving nature of the sport.

The Growth of Pickleball

What’s fueling the fire behind her success? Well, pickleball itself is expanding rapidly in the U.S., with the average player now around 35 years of age—but a younger crowd is increasingly gravitating towards the sport. According to data, about 36.5 million Americans have played pickleball at least once, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 223% over the past three years. Clearly, there’s something to be said for pickleball’s accessibility and excitement, making it a favorite pastime across diverse age groups. With this rise, the infrastructure is keeping pace—over 10,724 dedicated courts are now available in the country, with investment in facilities soaring to over $152.8 million.

Anna has noted that her sport is attracting more young players, intensifying competition and broadening its appeal. The buzz around pickleball isn’t just about recreational play; it’s becoming a staple of American culture, thanks to numerous tournaments and increased media coverage. As Anna aims for even greater heights, including possible participation in the Olympics, she is also focused on refining her forehand speed-up shot and improving her overall game.

Financial Success and Future Aspirations

With earnings exceeding $3 million in 2024 from tournament purses and endorsements, Anna has proven that success in sports can translate to significant financial rewards. Yet, she’s remained grounded, only making modest splurges, such as acquiring a car provided by her sponsor, Carvana. It’s a testament to her wisdom and maturity that at the ripe age of 18, she has her sights set not only on further honing her athletic talents but also on paving a solid foundation for her future.

As we witness Anna Leigh Waters carve out her legacy in pickleball, it’s clear that her story is just beginning. With her background, achievements, and commitment to the sport, she stands as a beacon of possibility for the next generation of players. In a sport that continues to grow at an astonishing pace, Anna’s journey reflects both her individual talents and the vibrant, expanding world of pickleball itself.

For more details, you can check out the extensive coverage on News-Journal, learn about her journey on Wikipedia, or explore statistics that highlight the sport’s growth at PickleRage.