17-Year-Old Pickleball Prodigy: At just 17 years old, Anna Leigh Waters is a dominant force in professional pickleball, consistently arriving at tournaments as the No. 1 seed in every division she enters. A strong contender for Triple Crown titles, Waters has reached impressive heights in the sport before finishing high school.
Waters’ journey to the top began at age 11 when she first competed in pickleball tournaments. Her rapid rise is a testament to her natural talent and passion for the game.
Early Days in Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters discovered pickleball in 2017 after evacuating her Florida home during Hurricane Irma. While staying in Pennsylvania, she and her mom, Leigh Waters, played the game with her grandparents. They quickly became hooked.
The pair began playing regularly with the Delray Beach Pickleball Club and soon found themselves in a local tournament.
“We didn’t sign up to play… but all the people in the Delray Beach Pickleball Club said we needed to play this tournament,”. “They found us partners, signed us up, and we basically just showed up.”(Anna Leigh Waters AND Leigh Waters)
Despite being a beginner, Anna Leigh was impressed, quickly advancing from the 3.0 to the 3.5 division during the event.
Turning Pro with Mom
Leigh Waters turned professional in 2018, but Anna Leigh initially played just for fun. That changed when Leigh’s doubles partner canceled before the Texas Open in Dallas. Leigh asked Anna Leigh, then 11, to step in.
“We were thinking of this as something fun to do… We actually ended up getting second in the tournament,”.(Anna Leigh Waters)
This success convinced the mother-daughter duo to compete together in women’s doubles.
At age 12, Anna Leigh and Leigh became the top-ranked women’s doubles team, beating the world’s best players.
“What’s crazy is that… I was actually 11 years old,”
Anna Leigh said of their early success.
Playing with Joy and Confidence
Anna Leigh credits her initial success to her carefree mindset as a young player.
“I didn’t really know what was happening, and I think that worked to my advantage because I had no pressure,”. “I was 11 and… just playing with my mom and having fun.”(Anna Leigh Waters)
Her love for the game and ability to stay relaxed on the court helped her thrive in a competitive environment, even against much older opponents.
Impact and Legacy
Anna Leigh Waters’ story inspires young athletes and showcases the growing appeal of pickleball. Her rise reflects how the sport has evolved from taped courts and temporary nets to major tournaments in packed stadiums.
With a bright future ahead, Waters continues to set an example for aspiring players. Her journey proves that with passion and dedication, incredible achievements are possible, no matter how young you are when you start.
News in Brief: 17-Year-Old Pickleball Prodigy
At 17, Anna Leigh Waters dominates professional pickleball as a top-seeded player. Her journey began at age 11 during Hurricane Irma, playing with her mom, Leigh. Turning pro at 12, the duo quickly rose to success. Waters’ carefree mindset, passion, and talent inspire young athletes and showcase pickleball’s rapid growth.
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