Anna Leigh Waters Makes History: In 2024, teenage pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters made history by securing the most Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour medals of any player, male or female. Waters won an impressive 43 gold medals and four silver medals, marking a major achievement in the sport. Her success has helped elevate pickleball’s popularity, inspiring fans and players worldwide.
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A Rising Star in Pickleball
Born in 2007, Anna Leigh Waters became the youngest professional pickleball player in 2017. In 2024, she not only became the top-ranked female pickleball player but also surpassed $3 million in earnings from salary and endorsements.
Her incredible performance at the 2024 CIBC Tour finals, where she won her 30th triple crown title, solidified her place as a leading figure in the sport.
The Rise to Fame and Fortune
Waters’ rapid rise to fame has also brought significant financial rewards. In 2024, her earnings from the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) placed her among the highest-paid athletes in the sport. Her agent, Kelly Wolf, revealed that Waters is expected to earn more than $3 million this year, noting how Waters has become “the face of pickleball.”
She has become the face of pickleball, and both the PPA Tour and MLP know that,” Wolf told Forbes. “Anna Leigh is her own little cottage industry, to be quite honest.”
Despite her incredible success, Waters remains grounded. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “I’m young, I’m still living with my parents, but I make over seven figures a year.”
Kelly Wolf, Waters’ agent, shared her perspective on the young athlete’s success. “There’s nobody else out there that has all these deals that she has right now,” Wolf said.
The Impact of Her Success
Anna Leigh Waters’ accomplishments have not only brought attention to pickleball but also raised the stakes for young athletes pursuing careers in the sport.
Her rise is an example of the potential for success in the rapidly growing pickleball community. With her continued success, Waters is expected to be a key figure in expanding the sport’s presence worldwide.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Makes History
In 2024, teenage pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters made history by winning 43 gold medals and becoming the top-ranked female player. She surpassed $3 million in earnings, securing her place as one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport. Waters’ success has boosted pickleball’s global popularity and inspired young athletes.
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