2025 Female Pickleball Powerhouses: The 2025 pickleball season has begun, and the top female players are ready to make their mark. Dominating the scene is Anna Leigh Waters, followed by several formidable competitors like Anna Bright, Rachel Rohrabacher, and Catherine Parenteau. Rising stars and under-the-radar talents also look poised for breakthrough seasons. Here’s a closer look at the top female players to watch in 2025.
Anna Leigh Waters
At just 17 years old, Anna Leigh Waters remains the undisputed queen of pickleball. Her 2024 stats were staggering: 46 gold medals across singles, doubles, and mixed disciplines, with 10 triple crowns.
She posted nearly unbeatable records, including an 84-1 run in Mixed Doubles. As Waters continues to evolve her game, she remains the player to beat, with others competing for second place.
Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher
Anna Bright has claimed the No. 2 spot in pickleball, excelling in doubles and MLP events. In 2024, she secured 10 PPA gold medals and led her team to success. Partnering with Rachel Rohrabacher, Bright has given Waters and Parenteau tough competition, including a legendary Las Vegas Open final.
Rohrabacher has also emerged as a Mixed Doubles force, forming a strong partnership with Federico Staksrud. This duo could challenge for the No. 1 ranking in 2025.
Catherine Parenteau
Catherine Parenteau remains a top contender despite slipping in rankings. She continues to excel across all three disciplines, earning her place in the 2024 Tour Finals.
However, her Mixed Doubles results with Jack Sock fell short of expectations, and she hasn’t won a singles gold since mid-2023. As Waters’ doubles partner, Parenteau claimed 15 golds in 2024, ensuring her continued relevance in the sport.
Kate Fahey
Kate Fahey’s rapid rise has been one of the most exciting stories in pickleball. Transitioning from a 3.5 player in 2023 to a top-eight singles contender in 2024, Fahey’s late-season success included three gold medals and multiple finals appearances. Dubbed the best chance to beat Waters in singles, Fahey is expected to reach new heights in 2025.
Jorja Johnson
Teenager Jorja Johnson is another rising star heading into 2025. She played a key role in the Dallas Flash’s MLP championship and excels in Mixed Doubles with her brother JW Johnson.
With her growing skill set, Johnson is set to challenge the sport’s elite, including Bright and Parenteau, in doubles categories.
Hurricane Tyra Black
Hurricane Tyra Black often flies under the radar but remains a consistent medalist. In 2024, she earned 11 PPA medals and contributed to the Dallas Flash’s MLP championship.
Her new doubles partnership with Jorja Johnson has already seen success in 2025, making her a player to watch this season.
Megan Fudge
Megan Fudge is a dominant force outside the PPA, reigning atop the APP rankings. She helped promote her Chicago MLP team to the Premier League and is set to compete in the Indian Leagues starting in February.
Fudge’s 2025 plans are still unfolding, but fans hope to see her against the sport’s top talent more frequently.
News in Brief: 2025 Female Pickleball Powerhouses
Anna Leigh Waters remains the top female pickleball player in 2025, with Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher close behind.
Rising stars like Kate Fahey and Jorja Johnson aim to challenge the top rankings, while consistent medalists like Hurricane Tyra Black and Megan Fudge add depth to the competition. This season promises exciting matchups and potential shifts in the sport’s hierarchy.
ALSO READ: Anna Leigh Waters Tops Women’s Pickleball Rankings, Her Path to Pickleball Supremacy