Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright Shine: Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright have become one of pickleball’s top women’s doubles teams, but their journey started unexpectedly. Before winning multiple gold medals, Rohrabacher reached out to Bright on Instagram—only to be ignored. Their partnership has led them to championship success and a growing fan base.
From Ghosting to Teaming Up
In 2022, Rohrabacher took a chance and messaged Bright to play in a tournament.
“In 2022, Rachel DMed me to play a tournament with her in Chicago and I didn’t respond.” – (Bright)
“I was taking my chance. I just started playing in pickleball tournaments and I knew Simone Jardim because she recruited me to play when I was in college, so I reached out to Anna because she knew me from our tennis days. I didn’t think she would say yes, but I thought I should take a chance and try.” – (Rohrabacher)
“I was like, ‘I’m never doing that.’ I knew her from tennis, but no way was I going to play with her.” – (Bright)
“Anna ghosted me.” – (Rohrabacher)
View this post on Instagram
Despite the initial rejection, their paths continued to cross at tournaments. In 2023, Rohrabacher played in the Texas Open, where Bright’s friends, Regina and Johnny Goldberg, took notice of her skills. Their positive feedback helped change Bright’s mind.
“We watched each other play at that tournament and talked a little bit, but it was nothing crazy.” – (Rohrabacher)
“Soon after that, Anna drafted me for the Orlando Squeeze, but we only had a short interaction before we started playing together.” – (Rohrabacher)
View this post on Instagram
Once they hit the court, their playing styles immediately clicked.
“Our friendship off the court grew. On the court, it was instantaneous because we had the same intensity and competitiveness. We’re very similar competitors, but as friends, we definitely grew into it.” – (Rohrabacher)
Bright agreed, noting that while their on-court chemistry was natural, their friendship took time to develop.
“I liked Rachel, but it wasn’t an instantaneous click. It took us a little while to become friends off the court. I’m a little more outwardly outgoing, but it takes time for me to really let someone in.” – (Bright)
View this post on Instagram
Rising to the Top
Their partnership quickly turned into a winning formula. In January 2024, they played their first PPA tournament together at the Hyundai Masters, earning silver. Just two months later, they captured gold at the Pickleball Central Indoor USA Championships and the Veolia Austin Open.
By the end of the year, they had claimed eight gold medals and six silvers, even upsetting the No. 1 team of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau. Their bond on and off the court became a key part of their success.
“It helps to be able to be yourself out there. If you have to fake a relationship with someone or walk on eggshells, it’s definitely not helping out there on the court.” – (Rohrabacher)
Bright added that their connection extends beyond pickleball.
“We talk a lot about pickleball, but we also talk a lot that’s not about pickleball.” – (Bright)
View this post on Instagram
Looking Ahead to 2025
This year is already shaping up to be a big one for “The Girlies.” They launched their brand, selling out merchandise in just hours, and have already made finals appearances at the Zimmer Biomet Masters and Proton Tucson Open. Their success proves that sometimes taking a chance pays off.
View this post on Instagram
News in Brief: Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright Shine
Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright have become a top women’s doubles team in pickleball, winning eight golds and six silvers in 2024. Their partnership, which started after Rohrabacher’s ignored Instagram message, has turned into a dominant force. In 2025, they’re already making finals and growing their brand.
ALSO READ: Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher Outlast Tyra Black and Parris Todd, Advance to Tucson Open Final