Anna Leigh Waters stands as one of the most remarkable pickleball prodigies in modern sports history. At just 18 years old, this professional pickleball athlete has shattered records, dominated tournaments, and built an impressive career that continues to inspire aspiring players worldwide.
From becoming the youngest pickleball player to turn professional at age 12 to accumulating championship titles and lucrative sponsorship deals pickleball, Anna Leigh’s journey exemplifies dedication and natural talent. This comprehensive Anna Leigh Waters biography explores her achievements, personal life, financial success, and impact on the rapidly growing sport.
Anna Leigh Waters
Who is Anna Leigh Waters?
Anna Leigh Waters is a women’s pickleball player who turned professional at just 12 years old. Born on January 26, 2007, she’s recognized as the youngest professional pickleball player in history and a dominant force in competitive play.
Currently competing in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles divisions, she has established herself as a pickleball champion with multiple national titles. Her partnership with her mother, Leigh Waters, makes them the sport’s only professional mother-daughter team.
Anna Leigh Waters height
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, Anna Leigh Waters possesses an athletic build perfectly suited for competitive pickleball. Her height allows excellent court coverage and powerful shot execution, contributing to her aggressive pickleball playing style.
How old is Anna Leigh Waters?
Anna Leigh Waters age is currently 18 years old as of 2025. Born on January 26, 2007, in Delray Beach Florida, this teen pickleball star has accomplished more in her youth than many athletes achieve in entire careers.
Is Anna Leigh Waters an only child?
Information about siblings remains private, though Anna Leigh Waters family maintains a close-knit dynamic. Her mother, Leigh, serves as both partner and coach, creating a unique professional relationship that defines her career journey.
Who is Anna Leigh Waters father?
Details about Anna Leigh Waters father are not publicly disclosed. The Waters family maintains privacy regarding certain personal matters, focusing public attention on Anna Leigh’s remarkable pickleball career achievements instead.
How old is Anna Leigh Waters’s mother?
Leigh Waters, Anna Leigh Waters’s mother, is currently 49 years old. As both Leigh Waters pickleball coach and doubles partner, she plays an instrumental role in her daughter’s success as a pickleball rising star.
Anna Leigh Waters brother
Public information doesn’t confirm whether Anna Leigh Waters has a brother. The family keeps personal details private, allowing Anna Leigh to focus on her development as a top pickleball player without unnecessary public scrutiny.
The Early Years and Breakthrough
When did Anna Leigh Waters start pickleball?
Anna Leigh Waters discovered pickleball in 2017 during Hurricane Irma while staying with her grandparents in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She and her mother, Leigh, found the sport by chance, sparking an immediate passion that would transform both their lives.
By age 11, she competed in her first tournament in Dallas, Texas. Her natural talent and dedication quickly became evident, setting the stage for her unprecedented rise in professional pickleball competition.
| Career Milestone | Age | Year |
| Started Playing | 11 | 2017 |
| First Tournament | 11 | 2018 |
| Turned Professional | 12 | 2019 |
| First National Title | 14 | 2021 |
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When did Anna Leigh Waters turn pro?
At just 12 years old, Anna Leigh Waters turned pro, becoming the youngest professional pickleball player in history. This groundbreaking achievement in 2019 marked the beginning of an extraordinary career filled with championship victories.
A Dominant Force on the Court
Anna Leigh Waters ranking
Anna Leigh Waters ranking consistently places her among the world pickleball rankings elite. As of recent tournament results, she holds top positions across multiple categories, demonstrating her versatility and dominance in the sport.
Her rankings reflect consistent excellence in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions. This multi-discipline success distinguishes her from many players who specialize in just one category.
| Division | Ranking | Year |
| Women’s Doubles | Top 5 | 2025 |
| Mixed Doubles | Top 3 | 2025 |
| Women’s Singles | Top 3 | 2025 |
What is Anna Leigh Waters’ current ranking in pickleball?
Currently, Anna Leigh Waters maintains elite status among top pickleball players worldwide. She consistently ranks in the top 5 across women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles divisions according to professional pickleball associations.
Who is Anna Leigh Waters’s doubles partner?
Leigh Waters, Anna Leigh’s mother, serves as her primary doubles partner. This mother-daughter pickleball team represents the only professional pairing of its kind, combining family bonds with championship-level performance and strategic coordination.
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns formed a dominant mixed doubles partnership that achieved remarkable success. As Ben Johns partner, she demonstrated exceptional chemistry and strategic gameplay, securing multiple pickleball tournament wins together.
Has Anna Leigh Waters won any major pickleball titles?
Yes, Anna Leigh Waters has captured numerous major titles including the US Open Pickleball Championships, Nationals pickleball results, Orlando Cup, Newport Beach Showcase, and Texas Open. Her trophy collection continues growing with each competitive season.
What are some of Anna Leigh Waters’ career highlights?
Key achievements include:
- Youngest professional player at age 12
- Multiple gold medals at national championships
- First pickleball match broadcast on national television (CBS Sports, 2022)
- Victories at Orlando Cup pickleball, Texas Open pickleball, and Newport Beach Showcase
- Consistent top-5 rankings across all divisions
Unforgettable Triumphs and Gritty Style
What is Anna Leigh Waters’ playing style?
Anna Leigh Waters’ playing style features an aggressive pickleball playing style characterized by power and speed gameplay. Unlike traditional defensive strategies, she employs a fast-paced pickleball technique that keeps opponents constantly pressured.
Her approach combines:
- Powerful drives from the baseline
- Quick reflexes at the net
- Strategic shot placement
- Fearless aggressive returns
- Exceptional court positioning
This dynamic style has redefined modern pickleball strategy, inspiring younger players to adopt more aggressive approaches.
A Trailblazer on the National Stage
Major national appearances
In 2022, Anna Leigh Waters made history with the first CBS Sports pickleball match broadcast nationally. She and her mother defeated Lucy Kovalova and Callie Smith at the Skechers Invitational Summer Championship in Los Angeles.
This national TV pickleball debut marked a watershed moment for pickleball visibility. The broadcast introduced millions of viewers to competitive pickleball, significantly boosting the sport’s mainstream recognition and popularity.
Media recognition and achievements
Anna Leigh Waters has become one of the most recognizable pickleball influencers through strategic Anna Leigh Waters social media presence. Her Anna Leigh Waters Instagram account showcases training sessions, tournament victories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Major media outlets regularly feature her achievements, highlighting her role in the pickleball growth in USA. She represents the new generation of athletes who excel both on court and in digital engagement.
Anna’s Life Beyond the Court
Where does Anna Leigh Waters live?
Anna Leigh Waters currently resides in Delray Beach, Florida, where she trains and competes. The Florida location provides ideal weather conditions for year-round pickleball training and access to elite coaching facilities.
Who is Anna Leigh Waters dating?
Anna Leigh Waters personal life remains largely private. While she focuses primarily on her career, there have been rumors linking her to someone named Christian Alshon, though no official confirmation exists.
Is Anna Leigh Waters engaged?
No public information confirms an engagement. At 18, Anna Leigh Waters prioritizes her professional development and pickleball career achievements over public romantic relationships, maintaining focus on athletic excellence.
Does Anna Leigh Waters have any off-court contributions?
Yes, Anna Leigh actively promotes pickleball through pickleball clinics and workshops. She conducts training sessions for aspiring players, sharing techniques and strategies. Her efforts contribute significantly to youth in professional sports development.
Her pickleball coaching initiatives help develop the next generation of players. She regularly participates in community events, demonstrating commitment to sport growth beyond personal achievement.
Anna Leigh Waters Net Worth & Salary
How much is Anna Leigh Waters worth?
Anna Leigh Waters net worth 2025 is estimated between $2.3-$2.5 million. This impressive figure results from prize money pickleball, brand partnerships pickleball, and various sports endorsements for young athletes.
Her financial success demonstrates the growing economic opportunities in professional pickleball. As the sport expands, top athletes like Anna Leigh command increasingly substantial earnings through multiple revenue streams.
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Amount |
| Tournament Winnings | $300,000 – $400,000 |
| Sponsorships | $500,000 – $700,000 |
| Endorsements | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Social Media/Appearances | $100,000 – $150,000 |
Anna Leigh Waters salary
Anna Leigh Waters salary from tournament pickleball earnings varies based on performance. Top players earn substantial prize money pickleball ranging from $50,000 to $100,000+ per major tournament victory.
Does Anna Leigh Waters have any endorsements?
Yes, Anna Leigh Waters has secured multiple sponsorship deals pickleball and pickleball endorsements. These athlete income sources include partnerships with major equipment manufacturers and lifestyle brands seeking association with rising athletic talent.
Her endorsement portfolio includes:
- Pickleball equipment manufacturers
- Athletic apparel brands
- Eyewear companies
- Footwear sponsors
What Pickleball Paddle Does She Use?
What paddle does Anna Leigh Waters use?
Anna Leigh Waters paddle of choice is the Paddletek Bantam TS-5. This professional-grade equipment features advanced 916 core technology, exceptional grip design, and superior ball control that complements her aggressive playing style.
The paddle’s lightweight construction and smooth fiberglass surface provide the perfect balance of power and finesse. Both beginners and experienced players favor this model for its versatility and performance.
| Paddle Specifications | Details |
| Model | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 |
| Core Technology | Advanced 916 Core |
| Surface | Smooth Fiberglass |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Best For | Power and Control |
What shoes does Anna Leigh Waters wear?
Anna Leigh Waters prefers Fila pickleball shoes for competitive matches. These shoes provide excellent court traction, lateral support, and comfort during extended tournament play, essential for her fast-paced movement style.
What glasses does Anna Leigh Waters wear?
She frequently wears Oakley sunglasses pickleball during outdoor competitions. These high-performance eyewear pieces reduce glare, protect eyes from UV rays, and enhance visual clarity for tracking fast-moving balls.
Conclusion
Anna Leigh Waters represents the extraordinary potential of youth in professional sports. Her journey from discovering pickleball during a hurricane to becoming a pickleball champion with millions in net worth inspires countless aspiring athletes pursuing their dreams.
As pickleball continues its rapid expansion, Anna Leigh stands positioned to benefit from increasing prize pools, sponsorship opportunities, and media exposure. Her combination of athletic excellence and business acumen ensures continued success as both competitor and ambassador for this growing sport.
